Study shows improved health communication outcomes using humor

In the research study, “Effects of Humor in Health Communication: Experimental Evidence for Video Sequences Aiming to Increase the Willingness to Donate Organs (2023),” researchers found that using humor in health communication messages can increase awareness, reduce anxiety, and promote positive health behaviors.

• This study examined the use of humor in video messages about organ donation.
• The study involved university students in Germany, with an average age of 25.
• Participants were randomly assigned to watch one of four video sequences:
  • Humorous message delivered by a prominent speaker
  • Humorous message delivered by a non-prominent speaker
  • Neutral message delivered by a prominent speaker
  • Neutral message delivered by a non-prominent speaker
• All participants completed questionnaires before and after watching the video and again 4-6 weeks later.
• Results:
  • All video sequences increased self-reported willingness to consider and discuss organ donation.
  • However, only the neutral messages significantly improved positive evaluations of organ donation.
  • The prominence of the speaker did not seem to impact the effectiveness of the humorous message.
• Conclusion:
  • Using humor in organ donation messages may increase awareness and discussion, but may not be as effective as neutral messages in changing attitudes towards donation.
  • Future research should investigate the effectiveness of humor in populations with lower education levels, as they may be more resistant to positive messages.