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Published on: February 16, 2011
A narrative inquiry: Humour and gender differences in the therapeutic relationship between nurses and their patients
Gunilla Haydon1, Pamela van der Reit1, Graeme Browne1
1a School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health , University of Newcastle , PO Box 210, Port Macquarie, Newcastle , NSW 2444 , Australia.
Background:
Although the use of humour in health care has been well investigated, the humorous interactions between nurse and patient are not. This research project investigated the humorous interaction between patient and nurse.
Aims:
This study aimed to explore four registered nurses' experiences of the use of humour in relation to gender differences and how humour influences the therapeutic relationship.
Design:
Narrative inquiry was the chosen methodology as it allows participants to include what is important to participants and highlights how experiences shape social interaction and understanding of events.
Methods:
Registered nurses were recruited from a regional hospital. Interested participants contacted the researchers and shared their stories. Data were analysed using a narrative enquiry methodology.
Results:
The study indicated gender differences in the way humour is used by patients. For female patients, humour is often instant and situation bound and used as a reassuring discourse for others, whereas male patients' humour through stories and anecdotes is designed to establish a sense of equalising power between the patient and nurse.
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