Strategies for using humor in undergraduate nursing education: A scoping review

IF 2.5 Q2 NURSING

Teaching and Learning in Nursing Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-08-25 DOI:10.1016/j.teln.2026.07.026

Gunilla Haydon PhD, RN, Linda Hazell PhD, Julie Reis PhD, RN

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Humor is accepted as a communication tool in education, which can foster peer support, reduce stress, and enhance learning environments.

Aim

To explore the use of humor in nursing education and the strategies educators use to integrate humor into teaching. This scoping review is guided by two research questions: (1) How is humor used in nursing education? and (2) What strategies do educators use to integrate humor into teaching?

Methods

Databases CINAHL, Medline, EBSCO, and Embase were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed articles exploring humor in undergraduate nursing education.

Findings

Out of 236 articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified four themes: Benefits to the learning environment, Effects on students and student learning, The role of the educator, and Self-reflective strategies for educators.

Discussion

This review explores how educators implement humorous activities in their educational settings. Pedagogically humor enhances learning, increases attention, assists problem solving, and promotes teamwork. Humor can reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and build relationships between educators and students. Humor equips students with valuable coping and communication skills.

Conclusions

Humor is an effective pedagogical tool in nursing education. The integration of humor benefits both students and educators by increasing engagement, reducing anxiety, and extension of communication skills, essential for professional practice.

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本科护理教育中运用幽默的策略：范围综述

幽默被认为是教育中的一种交流工具，它可以促进同伴支持，减轻压力，改善学习环境。目的探讨幽默在护理教学中的运用，以及教育者将幽默融入教学的策略。本综述以两个研究问题为指导：(1)幽默如何在护理教育中使用？(2)教育家使用什么策略将幽默融入教学？方法在CINAHL、Medline、EBSCO和Embase数据库中检索探讨幽默在本科护理教育中的应用的英文同行评议文章。结果：236篇文章中，12篇符合纳入标准。专题分析确定了四个主题：对学习环境的好处，对学生和学生学习的影响，教育者的角色，以及教育者的自我反思策略。这篇综述探讨了教育者如何在他们的教育环境中实施幽默活动。在教学上，幽默能促进学习，提高注意力，帮助解决问题，促进团队合作。幽默可以减轻压力，增强韧性，并在教育者和学生之间建立关系。幽默使学生具备宝贵的应对和沟通技巧。结论幽默是护理教育中一种有效的教学手段。幽默的融合对学生和教育者都有好处，因为它增加了学生的参与度，减少了焦虑，扩展了专业实践所必需的沟通技巧。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Teaching and Learning in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

10.50%

发文量

119

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty