The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) is an international community of professionals who incorporate humor into their daily lives.  AATH is the leader in providing evidence-based information about current research and practical applications of humor.

AATH is both a personable network and a resource for humor and laughter authorities and enthusiasts. Our membership is occupationally diverse, representing the medical, education and public speaking communities.

"OUR MISSION IS TO SERVE AS THE COMMUNITY OF PROFESSIONALS WHO STUDY, PRACTICE & PROMOTE HEALTHY HUMOR & LAUGHTER."

Our members include professionals who incorporate humor and laughter into their lives and work, people committed to humor and laughter, scholars and researchers who study humor and laughter, and all who feel they would benefit from this organization. Humor and laughter are used to enhance work performance, support learning, improve health and as a coping tool.

Official Definition of "Therapeutic Humor":

Any intervention that promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression or appreciation of the absurdity or incongruity of life’s situations.

This intervention may enhance health or be used as a complementary treatment of illness to facilitate healing or coping, whether physical, emotional, cognitive, social or spiritual.

Officially adopted by the AATH Board of Directors on June 1, 2000.

What We Know About Humor & Laughter

Click here to download pdf file.

NEWS FLASH!

The AATH Conference, "Biology of Hope/Healing Power of the Human Spirit," A Tribute to Norman Cousins, is rapidly approaching.  Conference details and registration information will be posted to the AATH website soon.  Please check back!

AATH Humor Academy offered at the Disneyland Conference 

This is the first time, a Humor Academy Course Certificate program is being offered by AATH and this pilot program will be conducted in conjunction with the AATH conference.  Participants can choose either of two options or participate in both simultaneously. 

Option 1:  Humor Academy: Level 1 Certificate Requirements –completion by the 2011 Conference:
Humor Therapy Foundations; pre-conference class
           • AATH conference attendance-all keynotes and breakouts
           • Post conference class (Sunday afternoon April 15 from 1:00 p.m.-     

             3:00 p.m.)
           • Collaborate with AATH advisor
           • Participate in any 4 AATH webinars (choice of 10 during the year)
           • Participation in AATH study group during the year. 

Option 2:  Humor Academy; Graduate School of Education College Credit (Portland State University)
Spring Term 3 credit course to be completed by June 1, 2010   ;
           • Participation in pre and post AATH conference sessions
           • Participation in AATH conference
           • All coursework to be facilitated with Instructor at conference
           • Requirements detailed in Course Description Document

AATH is including a Research Poster Session during its 2010 Annual Conference, April 22-25 in Anaheim, California.   For details about the Poster Session, please visit http://aath.org/call_presentations.htm. 

Submission deadline for all proposals:  January 15, 2010.

5 Scholarships Available for the 2010 AATH Annual Conference.   For details about the Scholarships, please visit http://aath.org/scholarships.htm. 

Submission deadline for all scholarships:  January 15, 2010.

2009 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The Dave Family “Humor Studies” Scholarship

Vera Stalker

Flagstaff, AZ

The Margie Klein “Paper Plate” Scholarship

Mindy Tarr

Stockton, NY

The Patty Wooten Scholarship

Amy Verble

Riverview, FL

Tami Vallarano

Forest Lake, MN

NEW - Call for Volunteers!

AATH Calendar for Submissions

• Doug Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award
  2010 Nominations are now closed.

• “Wilde About Humor" Award
  2010 Nominations are now closed.

• 2011 Conference - Call for Papers/Presenters - Deadline: June 25, 2010

• Humor Connection Stories and Ads  - hc@aath.org

SO, WHAT'S NEW?

The AATH 23rd Annual Conference

"Biology of Hope/Healing Power of the Human Spirit"

A Tribute to Norman Cousins

Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

Anaheim, California
Thursday, April 22 - Sunday, April 25, 2010

2009 Conference Highlights

AATH THANKS OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR

AATH invites all guests to use the extensive humor and laughter resources throughout our website. If not already a member, please visit www.aath.org/benefits.htm