ABSTRACT
Like other adaptational methods, humor can be deviated from its positive nature. There are four types of humor. Two positive are affiliative and self-enhancing styles. Two maladaptive are aggressive humor and self-defeating humor. The positive use of humor enables one to tolerate uncomfortable or threatening situations, without potentially injuring someone else. Corresponding resilience traits are: an ability to laugh at oneself and life’s absurdities; a sense of humor and realistic optimism under stress; and a concern for the welfare of others and about relationships. The nature of the interview as a part of a research project, coupled with a mindset to be serious about clinical work, may have triggered an uncharacteristic, constricted use of humor. References to humor were often made more from an intellectual perspective than experiential. So one can be conscious of utilizing humor as a means to manage stress or anxiety, but that awareness itself can be a source of conflict.
