Humor and well-being in spouse caregivers of patients with Alzheimerʹs disease

The relationship between the use of humor and well-being was studied in a convenience sample of 96 elderly spouse caregivers of community-residing patients with Alzheimerʹs disease (AD). Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and controlling for severity of illness, caregiver education, and income, the use of humor accounted for 18.2% (p < .001) of variance in caregiver well-being. Caregivers of patients with advanced AD symptoms used less humor and had more psychological distress than those caregivers of patients who had mild symptoms. Because humor helps to maintain a sense of well-being, nurses should develop and encourage the use of humor in the spouse caregiver population.