Training the sense of humor with the 7 Humor Habits Program and satisfaction with life

Abstract The current study tested the 7 Humor Habits Program after McGhee (1996, Health, healing, and the amuse system (2. edition): Humor as survival training. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing; 2010, Humor as survival training for a stressed-out world: The 7 Humor Habits Program. Bloomington, IN: Author House) in two groups receiving the eight-week training (group sessions; one group additionally completing “Home Play” exercises and one group without Home Play) compared to two control groups (a placebo humor group and a waiting control group). The total sample of 110 adults completed measures on the sense of humor, the temperamental basis of the sense of humor, and life satisfaction at three time points: directly before and after the training time, as well as at a two-month follow up. Additionally, peer-ratings on the sense of humor were collected. At each session, the humor-related mood (state cheerfulness, seriousness, and bad mood) was assessed before and after the session. Results show that the sense of humor is malleable, noticeable to the trained individuals as well as to peers (but not in the placebo humor group). The sessions increased cheerful mood and decreased seriousness. Life satisfaction generally increased from the pre-training phase to the post-training phase. To conclude, humor can be trained but more work on consolidation strategies are needed in future studies and intervention designs.

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Influence on Forgiveness, Character Strengths and Satisfaction with Life of a Short Mindfulness Intervention via a Spanish Smartphone Application

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020802 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 802

Author(s):

Juan Pablo Pizarro-Ruiz ◽

Nuria Ordóñez-Camblor ◽

Mario Del-Líbano ◽

María-Camino Escolar-LLamazares

Keyword(s):

Negative Affect ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Character Strengths ◽

Well Being ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Control Group ◽

Psychological Practice ◽

Before And After ◽

Reducing Stress ◽

Positive Effect

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are a recognized effective psychological practice characterized by attention control, awareness, acceptance, non-reactivity, and non-judgmental thinking obtained through the practice of meditation. They have been shown to be useful in reducing stress and enhancing well-being in different contexts. In this research, the effectiveness of an MBI was evaluated on variables that can promote successful job performance such as mindfulness trait, positive and negative affect, forgiveness, personality strengths and satisfaction with life. The intervention was carried out through a smartphone application called “Aire Fresco” (Fresh Air) during 14 days in the middle of the quarantine produced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sample was composed of 164 Spanish people who were distributed in two groups: control group and experimental group, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. The MANCOVA performed showed an overall positive effect of the intervention on the variables evaluated. The different ANCOVAs carried out showed that the intervention was beneficial in increasing mindfulness trait, reducing negative affect or increasing life satisfaction, among others. Our study is, as far as we know, the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention in mindfulness conducted using a smartphone application in Spanish.

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Regular Taekwondo Training Affects Mood State and Sociality but Not Cognitive Function among International Students in South Korea

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070820 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 820

Author(s):

Ju-Yong Bae ◽

Hee-Tae Roh

Keyword(s):

International Students ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

South Korea ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Mood State ◽

Control Group ◽

Peer Relationship ◽

Physical Fitness Test ◽

Before And After ◽

Experimental Group

We aimed to investigate the effect of Taekwondo training on physical fitness, mood, sociality, and cognitive function among international students in South Korea. We randomly assigned 24 international students to a control group (CG, n = 12) and experimental group (EG, n = 12). The EG performed Taekwondo training for 16 weeks, while the CG did not train. Each participant underwent a physical fitness test and sociability questionnaire before and after the intervention. We also examined changes in mood state and cognitive function, using the Korean version of the Profile of Mood State-Brief (K-POMS-B), and the Stroop Color and Word test, respectively. Regarding the physical fitness variables, sit-and-reach records in the EG significantly increased after intervention (p < 0.05). In the sub-variable of K-POMS-B, Vigor-Activity scores significantly increased (p < 0.05) after intervention, while the Fatigue-Inertia scores significantly decreased in the EG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the EG, peer relationship scores, a sub-variable of sociability, significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that Taekwondo training can not only improve flexibility among physical fitness factors, but can also be effective in improving the mood state and sociality of international students.

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Effects of High Frequency Exercise in Patients before and after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing ◽

10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2008.02.001 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 307-313 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Maria Bäck ◽

Bertil Wennerblom ◽

Susanna Wittboldt ◽

Åsa Cider

Keyword(s):

Aerobic Capacity ◽

High Frequency ◽

Muscle Function ◽

Training Group ◽

Coronary Intervention ◽

Control Group ◽

Maximal Aerobic Capacity ◽

Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ◽

Percutaneous Coronary ◽

Before And After

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high frequency exercise for patients before and after an elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with special reference to maximal aerobic capacity, muscle function, health related quality of life (HRQoL), waist–hip ratio (WHR) and restenosis. Methods: A randomised, controlled study was performed in Sweden between 2004 and 2006 in thirty-seven patients (five women) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), age 63.6 ± 6.9 years, randomised to either high frequency exercise or control group. The patients in the training group performed three endurance resistance exercises and trained on a cycle ergometer 30 min, 5 times a week for 8 months at 70% of VO2max. Results: Patients in the training group significantly improved their maximal aerobic capacity (15 (9–46) vs. 8 (0–18)% p ≤ 0.05), shoulder flexion ( p ≤ 0.01), shoulder abduction ( p ≤ 0.01) and heel-lift ( p ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in HRQoL, WHR and restenosis. Conclusion: High frequency exercise in patients treated with PCI seems to improve maximal aerobic capacity and muscle function, which may reduce the risks of further progression of atherosclerosis. However, further larger studies are needed to fully investigate the effects of exercise in patients with PCI.

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Effect of 12 Months of Exercise with Stachys Lavandulifolia Consumption on anxiety, Metabolic Syndrome Profiles and Antioxidant Defense and Lipid Peroxidation in Women with Syndrome Metabolic

10.21203/rs.3.rs-129277/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ali osali ◽

Alireza Rostami

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Lipid Peroxidation ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Antioxidant Defense ◽

Training Group ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Control Group ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Before And After

Abstract BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 months of aerobic exercise combining stachys lavandulifolia (S. lavandulifolia) consumption on anxiety, Metabolic Syndrome profiles and antioxidant defense (Glutathione) and lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde) in 50-65 years old women with syndrome metabolic.Methods48 women with syndrome Metabolic were randomly divided into four groups: exercise (n=12), exercise+S. lavandulifolia (n=12), S. lavandulifolia (n=12) and control group (n=12). S. lavandulifolia groups consumed 3 g aerial parts of S. lavandulifolia daily. Training groups performed an exercise protocol of aerobic exercise for 12 months (three sessions per week). Blood samples were obtained before and after training period for antioxidant indicators and lipid degradation measurement. Also, Beck anxiety questionnaire used for evaluating levels of anxiety. T-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for the evaluation of within-group and between-group differences, respectively.ResultsA significant increase was observed in serum levels of Malondialdehyde (P =0.004), Catalase indexes (Pvalue= 0.01), and Glutathione (P=0.001) in the training group and S. lavandulifolia groups after 12 months. Body weight, BMI, and SBP and Anexiety was decreased significantly greater in exercise +S. lavandulifolia group compared to control, exercise and S. lavandulifolia groups (P=0.001)ConclusionAnxiolytic effect and Anti-Oxidative Stress Activity was seen, so taking S. lavandulifolia along with exercises may have beneficial effects on reinforcement the antioxidant system and prevention of anxiety and The negative effects of indicators related to cardiovascular disease in women with metabolic syndrome.

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Investigation of the psychological resilience of teacher candidates in terms of sense of humor and life satisfaction

Research in Pedagogy ◽

10.5937/istrped2101251t ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 251-263

Author(s):

Zeliha Tras ◽

Büşra Kabakci ◽

Baltacı Bilge

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Teacher Candidates ◽

Positive Relationship ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Personal Information ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Psychological Resilience ◽

Female Teacher ◽

Sense Of Humor

The aim of this study is to examine the psychological resilience in teacher candidates in terms of sense of humor and life satisfaction. Correlational research model was used in the study. The dependent variable of the research is psychological resilience and independent variables are sense of humor and life satisfaction. The research was carried out on 427 teacher candidates between the ages of 18-27, 318 females (74.5%) and 109 males (25.5%). The Resilience Scale for Adults, The Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale, The Satisfaction with Life Scale and Personal Information Form were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, independent groups t-test, variance analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression analysis were used to analyze the data. When the findings of the study are analyzed, it is seen that psychological resilience in terms of gender differs significantly in favor of female teacher candidates. A positive relationship was found between teacher candidates' psychological resilience and sense of humor. In addition, a positive relationship was found between psychological resilience and life satisfaction. Looking at the findings, it is seen that the variables of sense of humor and life satisfaction predict psychological resilience significantly. The findings were discussed according to the literature and various suggestions were presented.

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Interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor responses to the Mat Pilates training in women with multiple sclerosis

Scientia Medica ◽

10.15448/1980-6108.2018.4.31668 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 31668

Author(s):

Elham Eftekhari ◽

Masoud Etemadifar

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Training Group ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Before And After

AIMS: To determine the effect of Mat Pilates on serum levels of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in women with multiple sclerosis.METHODS: Thirty women with multiple sclerosis with mild to moderate disability were recruited and randomly divided into equal Pilates training and Control groups. Patients in the training group accomplished a Pilates program three times a week for eight weeks. The Control group maintained their routine lifestyle. The serum level of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured before and after the protocol. The differences between groups were assessed by using analysis of covariance test to compare post-tests by considering covariate pre-tests (assuming a p-value <0.05 as significant).RESULTS: There were no significant changes in interleukin-10 (13.09±5.36 ng/ml in the Pilates training group compared to 13.21±4.76 ng/ml in the Control group, p= 0.81), whereas an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor was observed after eight-week Pilates training (11550.14±2619.60 ng/ml in the Pilates training group compared to 9664.35±3161.66 ng/ml in the Control group, p= 0.03).CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the intensity and duration of this protocol was not related to significant changes in interleukin-10, but was followed by an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in these patients. Based on this finding, physical activity according to the individual’s ability is recommended for patients with multiple sclerosis, in parallel with drug therapy.

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Effects of Supplementary Strength–Power Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Young Female Athletes

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports8080104 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 104

Author(s):

Konstantina Karagianni ◽

Olyvia Donti ◽

Christos Katsikas ◽

Gregory C. Bogdanis

Keyword(s):

Female Athletes ◽

Training Group ◽

Young Female ◽

Control Group ◽

Drop Jump ◽

Power Training ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Neuromuscular Performance ◽

Specific Performance ◽

Before And After

This study examined the effects of a short-duration supplementary strength–power training program on neuromuscular performance and sport-specific skills in adolescent athletes. Twenty-three female “Gymnastics for All” athletes, aged 13 ± 2 years, were divided into a training group (TG, n = 12) and a control group (CG, n = 11). Both groups underwent a test battery before and after 10 weeks of intervention. TG completed, in addition to gymnastics training, a supplementary 7–9 min program that included two rounds of strength and power exercises for arms, torso, and legs, executed in a circuit fashion with 1 min rest between rounds, three times per week. Initially, six exercises were performed (15 s work–15 s rest), while the number of exercises was decreased to four and the duration of each exercise was increased to 30 s (30 s rest) after the fifth week. TG improved countermovement jump performance with one leg (11.5% ± 10.4%, p = 0.002) and two legs (8.2% ± 8.8%, p = 0.004), drop jump performance (14.4% ± 12.6%, p = 0.038), single-leg jumping agility (13.6% ± 5.2%, p = 0.001), and sport-specific performance (8.8% ± 7.4%, p = 0.004), but not 10 m sprint performance (2.4% ± 6.6%, p = 0.709). No change was observed in the CG (p = 0.41 to 0.97). The results of this study indicated that this supplementary strength–power program performed for 7–9 min improves neuromuscular and sport-specific performance after 10 weeks of training.

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The Restorative Effect of the Natural Environment on University Students’ Psychological Health

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2020/4210285 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Emma A. Payne ◽

Natasha M. Loi ◽

Einar B. Thorsteinsson

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

University Students ◽

Natural Environment ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Control Group ◽

Waitlist Control ◽

Perceived Satisfaction ◽

Waitlist Control Group

The present study evaluated the effect of a three-week intervention aimed at improving psychological health in university students. Participants included 200 Australian students randomly assigned to an experimental or waitlist control group, with 42 adhering to intervention instructions. Participants in the experimental group read a story about someone who used the natural environment to decrease stress and burnout levels and to increase their perceived satisfaction with life. They were then instructed to spend 20 minutes each week, for three weeks, in any chosen natural environment. Waitlist control participants received intervention instructions three weeks later. Restorativeness was positively associated with life satisfaction and negatively related to stress and burnout. Experimental participants, compared to waitlist control participants, experienced a significant decrease in stress; however, the intervention had no effect on life satisfaction or burnout. More research is still needed to determine the practical significance of nature exposure on university students’ psychological health.

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Pengaruh Pemasangan Poster Anjuran Buang Sampah terhadap Pemanfaatan Tempat Sampah di Tempat Wisata

JURNAL PROMOSI KESEHATAN INDONESIA ◽

10.14710/jpki.14.2.149-160 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Nining Prastiwi ◽

Zahroh Shaluhiyah ◽

Farid Agushybana

Keyword(s):

Control Sample ◽

Total Sample ◽

Control Group ◽

Tourist Destinations ◽

Intervention Area ◽

Before And After ◽

Post Test ◽

And Behavior ◽

Vacation Period

Background: Cleanliness of tourist area is managers and visitors responsibilities to maintain the beauty of tourist destinations. Disposing of trash in its place becomes very important in maintaining the cleanliness of tourist sites. The role of health promotion media to improve awareness and behavior of tourist in maintaining cleanliness is necessary to be conducted. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of providing garbage disposal posters towards the utilising trash bin in tourist sites.Method: This study employs a quantitative method with a quasy experimental approach, non randomized control group pretest posttest design. It was carried out in four tourist sites which consist of two tourist sites as intervention area and the others as control. Sample of this study was consisted of 15 bins/each site which met the criteria of sanitation standards and selected purposively so that the total sample was 30 bins in the intervention and 30 bins in the control areas. The variables included the volume of waste in each trash bin, the quality of trash bin distributed and the number of visitors before and after intervention. Measurements were conducted for 14 days.Results: The volume of waste was increased significantly after providing posters in the intervention sites compared to controls’. Likewise, the quality of trash bin distributed at tourist sites was also increased significantly in the intervention areas compared to controls. The number of visitors at four destinations was increased significantly after intervention because post-test was conducted at long vacation period. That would directly effect to waste volume in the trash bin at 4 tourist destinations. This study recommends to managers to put interesting poster or other instagramable media to promote healthy behaviour related to the cleanliness and beauty at tourist areas.

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Measurement of the Effect of Static Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility in High School Females

International Journal of Life Sciences ◽

10.3126/ijls.v8i5.10914 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 18-21

Author(s):

Elham Moradi ◽

Shaghayegh Hashemi Motlagh ◽

Zahra Nikkhah

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Training Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Test Results ◽

Static Stretch ◽

Hamstring Muscles ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Hamstring Flexibility

Background: flexibility that is one of basic aspects of any sport program , can be developed and acquired through various stretching exercises. This study examined the effect of six-weeks of static stretching on hamstring flexibility in high school females. Methods: Thirty healthy high school females aged 15 to 17 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The training group underwent static stretch training of the hamstring with a six-weeks protocol training sessions were 3 days per week, including 4 30-seconds stretches per day for each of subjects. The other group acted as control group. Before and after six-weeks of stretching, flexibility of the hamstring muscles was determined by Sit & Reach Test. Results: A significant increase in flexibility of hamstring was found in training group (mean 31cm to 39/87cm), and no significant difference was revealed in hamstring flexibility after the six-weeks static stretching for the control group. Conclusion: This study indicated that the static stretching significantly increased the hamstring flexibility and suggests that subjects use static stretching for increasing their hamstring flexibility.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i5.10914

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