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Qualitative Health Research
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Relationships Between Humor, Subversion, and Genuine Connection Among Persons With Severe Mental Illness

Sean A. Kidd

McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, skidd{at}stjoes.ca

Rebecca Miller

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Geoffrey M. Boyd

St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Ivette Cardeña

University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Although humor has been linked to resilience among many populations, little is known regarding the role of humor in the coping of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). In this study, a series of interviews focused on humor was completed by 15 individuals with SMI, with narratives analyzed using grounded theory methods.The marginalized and stigmatized social position occupied by persons with SMI was found to affect both the use and meanings of humor. Humor was described as being the subject of clinical scrutiny. Humor was also emphasized as a means of subverting power differentials revolving around the identity of SMI with, for many, the primary goal being the development of "real" and genuine connections with service providers.

Key Words: coping and adaptation • culture • health care • humor • mental health and illness • relationships • health care • stigma

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 19, No. 10, 1421-1430 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732309348381
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