Author Page of Janet M. Gibson, Ph.D.

 

Professor Emerita of Psychology
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa, 50112 USA
email: gibsonj@grinnell.edu
Department Website

 

Psychology of Humor

Textbook: Gibson, J. M. (2026). An Introduction to the Psychology of Humor, 2nd edition. New York: Routledge. (2019) An Introduction to the Psychology of Humor, 1st edition. New York: Routledge.

Chapter: Gibson, J. M. (2021). From appetizer to main course: Teaching Psychology with Humor. In V. Kishor, (Ed.). Teach psychology with a sense of humor: Why (and how to) be a funnier and more effective psychology teacher and laugh all the way to your classroom. Kindle Edition.

Article: Gibson, J.M. (2020). Laughing is good for your mind and your body – here's what the research shows. The Conversation, November 23, 2020. DOI: 10.64628/AAI.nw6k4fhwc | reprinted in The Washington Post Dec. 3, 2020 | reprinted on CNN Health online, April 1, 2023.

Article: Gibson, J. M. (April, 2019) Academic Minute: Humor and human behavior.

Article: Gibson, J.M. (2016). Getting serious about funny: Psychologists see humor as a character strength. The Conversation, August 24, 2016.

Science Fiction Novel

Jayel: Hands of a Healer
Available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle

Synopsis

My novel blends sci fi and murder mystery genres to explore family relationships and people's aspirations to reach their potentials. The story takes place in fictional solar systems, where inhabitants share one government, plentiful land, and extensive resources. Further, the people benefit from the gifts of The Endowed, an elite organization of men and women who use their special abilities (including wisdom, strength, and telepathy) to solve social, intellectual, and environmental problems.

The story follows medical student Jayel who overhears her father, Governor of the planet Melandan, imply he killed his brother’s wife seventeen years ago, that her death was not a tragic accident. Both brothers are respected Endowed members. Shaken, Jayel travels to an Endowed secluded retreat to consider what to do when she unexpectedly encounters her uncle, Dareck. Together they embark on a journey across planets to uncover the truth. Overcoming attacks, a lover’s betrayal, and returning home, Jayel obtains the needed evidence. While waiting for Dareck to call for the Elundrite, a trial by Endowed membership, Jayel falls in love with a member of the Endowed sent by her uncle to protect her. At the Elundrite, the truth is revealed, and family healing begins.

Fans of Star Trek or Star Wars will enjoy this story where characters’ conflicts and relationships are forefront against cultural backgrounds of these fictional planets.

 

 

 

Other Works

Poems

 

Updated December, 2023.