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!

AATH - the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor is pleased to
announce the inaugural presentation of the “Wilde About Humor" Award.
This prestigious honor is named in recognition and appreciation of Larry Wilde,
noted humorist and humor historian.  The purpose of this annual award is to
recognize a company, organization, or system that enthusiastically demonstrates the utilization of applied and/or therapeutic humor* in the world

of business.

This utilization may come via any or all of the following: Leadership, Marketing, Advertising, Customer Service, and/or Corporate Culture.

Nominations for this award are due by December 31, 2008. 

Please submit the company’s name and a brief description of why they are deserving of this award.  Nominations may also include support materials

such as print (ads, collateral, etc.) and electronic examples (CD, DVD) that convey the essence of the nominee’s utilization of applied and/or therapeutic humor* in the world of business.
 
Nominations may be sent to AATH either by e-mail (staff@aath.org) or to the AATH office at 65 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. 

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
  Nomination deadline - September 30, 2008
• 2010 Conference - Call for Papers/Presenters - Open
• Humor Connection Stories and Ads  - hc@aath.org

SO, WHAT'S NEW?

The AATH 22nd Annual Conference

"Healthy Humor: Hitting the Wellness Jackpot!"
Thursday, April 2 - Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

Download 2009 Conference Details

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