Once one is able to generate distance from the traumatic experience, the humor about the trauma is experienced as separate from the individual and can be perceived humorously. As noted above, humor ranges from therapeutic to harmful based on the target of the humor. Receptivity to therapeutic humor is also based on environmental conditions such as the nature and bond the relationship, the timing and circumstance when humor is shared, and the setting in which humor is presented. For example, we may have a strong bond with a loved one, but humor about death in close proximity to a significant death may be poorly timed. In addition, as medical professionals, we have a responsibility to be sensitive not only to the intended receiver of our humor but to others who might intentionally or unintentionally experience our humor.
All professions use humor to cope with stressors.
This is particularly evident in the medical professions where humor is a powerful coping mechanism. However, the humor we share as medical professionals is often not appropriate for our patients or clients to overhear. We must be sensitive to others and the environment to be sure that our humor is experienced only by those for whom the humor was intended. There are four methods to assess an individual' s humor quotient. This can be done in a direct self-report fashion such as simply asking what role humor plays, or it can be assessed more playfully by asking questions about an individual's favorite cartoon, comedian, humorous movie, television comedy, joke, humorous story, etc.