The Optimism and Humor Training Program (OHTP)

Initiative Description: One classroom received the OHTP intervention (n=23) while the other served as a control (n=23). The control group received the intervention after upon completion of intervention by the control group and after the effectiveness of the intervention had been evaluated. Optimism, humor style, and adaptability in school were measured pre/post in both groups. Facilitators tried to teach how to think optimistically by helping students understand how their way of thinking can influence how they feel. They were also taught how to separate internal from external, temporary from permanent, and to externalize their disputation by searching for evidence, alternatives, and implications of pessimistic explanations.  Children who participated in the OHTP showed an increase in optimism, use of adaptive humor, and more adaptability in school.

Study Results: Increased optimism, adaptability in school.

Reference: Lee, J., Kim, J., & Lee, J. (2017). The children’s optimism and humor training program in South Korea. International Journal of Mental Health,47(2), 118-136. doi:10.1080/00207411.2017.1367450

Level of Evidence: Very Good