HUMOR IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: AN EXPLORATIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background: This study seeks to explore the use of humor during the period of isolation caused by lockdown measures imposed in Italy as a result of the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Subjects and method: The study is based on a non-clinical sample. The ad hoc questionnaire measures people’s readiness to search for, publish and distribute humorous material during lockdown. It investigates the intentions behind sending content via social media (WhatsApp or similar) and the emotions experienced on receiving such content. Results: The responses have been analyzed quantitatively, and using Excel’s IF function they have been analyzed qualitatively. In the present sample of 106 Italian respondents, searching for content was less common than publishing it (yes 44.34%, no 54.72%). Positive emotions were more frequently the motivation (total 61.32%). A high percentage sent amusing content via social media or SMS (79%). Responses demonstrating a desire to lessen the situation’s negative impact or a desire for cohesion were common. Receiving material was similarly associated with positive emotions and a sense of being close to others. Conclusions: humorous material appears to have served as a means of transmitting positive emotions, distancing oneself from negative events and finding cohesion