The Applications of Cognitive Mechanism of Verbal Humour to the Adjustment of Depressive Mood

Abstract

Aims: To apply the findings of neurolinguistic research to the practical technological artifact design, the cognitive mechanism of verbal humour is comprehensively investigated and designed with EEG-based Brain Computer interfaces and Mobile Health, under the guidance of technology design theory, to help with the adjustment of depressive mood. Application Base: The intervention effect of verbal humour on depressive mood is rooted in their cognitive mechanisms. The right hemisphere of the brain has a dominant effect on both verbal humour and depressive mood; some specific brain regions, such as amygdala, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus etc., are particularly activated during the processing of both verbal humour and depressive mood. The elicitation by verbal humour positively activate the brain regions related with depressive mood and even help to normalise them. In addition, the cognitive model of verbal humour processing greatly contributes to the transformation from the fixed and unchangeable mindset grounded in a depressive mood to the innovative and flexible way of thinking. Application Methods: To integrate humour intervention into a set of solutions to objectively monitor and effectively mediate mood problems under the premise of privacy protection, Life-Based Design theory, a multi-dimensional design theory putting emphasis on the significance of comprehensively understanding people's life, provides the basis of the solutions. Portable Brainimaging techniques are available to assist us in evaluating the real-time mood state. Mobile phone, as the most popular and indispensable Information Communication Technology device, allowing for bidirectional communication and on-demand access to resources with the precondition of privacy protection. Conclusion: The merger of Life-Based Design theory and EEG-based Brain Computer Interfaces, combined with Mobile Health, presents a creative way to apply the verbal humour research to the technology design, bridging the gap between the cognitive linguistic studies and practical applications.