Finding the Fun in Daily Occupation: An Investigation of Humor

Abstract

Humor as a human phenomenon has long been explored for its perceived therapeutic benefits. To date, occupational therapy's contribution to this exploration has been limited, despite attention to rapport-building. This article provides an overview of the humor literature, particularly highlighting the neuroscience of humor, laughter, and fun, to craft an argument that humor is biologically, socially, and contextually grounded and influential in affecting the experience of occupational engagement. Translation of humor and fun into daily activity through clinical examples from an eating disorder program are introduced, along with the possibility of using fun to support social, emotional, and behavioral change.