Tickles ’n Tears
The Psychology of Humor
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
In medicine and psychology so much has been learned about humans: about our behavior, our senses, feelings, and our thoughts. Not much understanding has developed, however, about what causes humor. “Something funny” of course, but the same thing might be very funny to one person, not at all funny to another and only mildly amusing to a third person. Or the same “something” could bring pain instead of laughter, or sometimes BOTH pain and mirth! And what good did it do the human race to develop this quirky, spontaneous reaction to some, but not all, events in one’s life in the first place? Why do humans have a sense of humor? Everyone is an expert on one’s own sense of humor. Each of us feels strongly about what is funny and what isn’t. Each of us has different ideas, however, about which is which. My study of, and work with human problems of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors all add to my interest in humor. Teaching in various countries and with various kinds of students lets me see humor from many perspectives. When I go into hospitals, asylums and places where clinical clowning (described in the last chapter) is needed and enjoyed, I am amazed to see that different people respond differently to my presence. They are all watching the same thing: me, being silly. With all this experience, I naturally have wondered why and how and what humor really is. The quality of humor, its true nature, is elusive. It is unexpected, instantaneous, and involuntary. And yet somehow it all makes perfect sense to me.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Comments & Acclaim 14 Year-Old after the first chapter: “Wow! You should call this the TRUTH about humor!” Former Head of Counseling and Guidance, UMASS: “I’m so glad you’re doing this, bringing it up, so humor can be talked about and explored. You really should do a monograph in a professional journal.” Biofeedback Psychotherapist: “I really like this.” Whacky, Unconventional Doctor, of movie fame: “What IS humor?! Who cares! Just enjoy it! …maybe you’re whining.” Clinical Psychiatrist: “I don’t know much theory about humor; I know the Dali Lama laughs a lot and that’s good enough for me.” Councilor General for Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, Rome: “I find that so interesting! I did my Divinity Masters Thesis on The Spirituality of Humor.” Mystery Writer: “I didn’t read it too critically, but after I was done I felt happier…” Author of historical fiction: “I want more, more, more!” www.ticklesntears.com
About the Author
Louise Speck …has an academic background in counseling psychology, education and special needs. Her practical experience extends across teaching, counseling and entertaining in a variety of facilities, cultures and countries. Everywhere, she has observed humor – how it is received, perceived and expressed. Since she is aware of how much diligent primary research (she’s done some of that, too) is required to ‘prove’ a theory, Speck relies instead on the test of time and experience to validate her work on the psychology of humor. She shares her insights, and depends on her readers for those little mental nudges when their own understandings of life resonate with what they learn in the book, or during workshops and other presentations. “So,” she says. “This is my opinion.” Since her preference is to share the good, the bad, and the glorious with as many as possible, Louise Speck presents and performs as a clinical clown, known as simply Spec. Her visits with elders, patients, students and residents wherever she goes become memorable events or perhaps provide welcome distraction from tedium, pain, or sadness.