- Do we identify more easily with series characters or film characters?

It depends on which form we prefer - series or films. Generally speaking, it doesn't really matter. From my point of view as a psychologist, serial and film characters have the same therapeutic/autotherapeutic value. Both are experiencing human dilemmas, problems. It is important to pay attention to the accessibility of both forms - whether it is easier for us to watch a TV series or a film, what they are about, how their characters live. The cultural context is also important - whether they show the lives of Poles or other nationalities, professional or social groups. The typical Pole strives to find their counterpart in a TV series. Some prefer a more serious form, others a parody. However, we look for our typical national characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, typical problems in TV series or films....

- Is it possible to develop oneself by watching television? Or is it a form of entertainment to be avoided?

I always say one thing when working with my patients: everything is for the people. However, I point out that moderation is important. Television is one of the vehicles of culture (probably the most effective). Depriving us of access to television can, in my opinion, make us know less. Thanks to television, we can travel, visit the remotest parts of the world, visit museums, concerts, watch delayed cinema repertory, paying only a subscription fee. Of course, there is also the other side of the coin. Opponents of television argue that sitting on the sofa in front of the TV makes us unwilling to leave the house, our social contacts deteriorate and our social life deteriorates
out of the house, our social contacts are impoverished. That is why I always mention moderation.

- Is there film therapy or could there be such a thing as serial therapy?

I haven't heard of there being such a term as serial therapy, I do, however, count watching series as film therapy. A series is a shorter form, sometimes easier to watch. It's easier for us to watch one episode than it is to get together to go to the cinema (I'm not talking about paying for a cinema ticket) or to watch a feature-length film on TV. For a good few years now, there has been a fashion for watching TV series all over the world. Poles have always had their TV series, such as "Wojna domowa" or "Czterdziestolatka", not to mention "Czterech pancernych i psie". However, those most popular with young people come to us mainly from the United States. Among them, you can find many heroes to refer to when conducting therapy. Relate our patient's situation to a specific situation in the series.

photo.ojoimages

- Comedy shows often feature 'canned laughter', how do people react to it?

Canned laughter came to us from the West. Invented in the 1950s by Charles Douglass, it was called the "laff box" and was intended to increase the appeal of the series or programme you were watching. It quickly caught on in America and has since been used in almost all comedy programmes and series. The producers of the series know very well that such artificial laughter played in the background increases the humour value of the images in the eyes of the audience. It is an effective technique for manipulating viewers. It is also meant to create the feeling that we are not watching the series alone, but in a larger group.
I admit that I remember how canned laughter appeared in Poland with the series "Bill Cosby Show" or "Benny Hill". At first it certainly seemed strange, even annoying, to us Poles, but today I'm convinced that none of us pays conscious attention to it. The producers make sure that it is softer and creates a subtle background.

- Do we watch a film differently alone and differently in company?

We prefer to watch films in a larger group, we feel better then. Human beings are made to join groups. When we watch together, we can share our observations, comment on something we really like or are angry about. Watching films together creates bonds between people. I always encourage parents to watch films together with their children. This creates family and social rituals, habits and interests.

- What film/series suggestions should we choose when we want to lift our mood?

We should choose something cheerful, optimistic, which has a positive impact on our mood. A form that suits us best. We also often have the habit of returning to our favourite films, recalling their most interesting moments, scenes.

"Sunday Laughter Therapy" on Universal Channel, every Sunday from 18.00.

The premiere episodes of the sitcom "Guys with Kids" will be broadcast at 18:00,

followed immediately by new episodes of the comedy series "Whitney " at 18:30.

Agata Ejsmont - psychologist and pedagogue, lecturer at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, runs a private practice. In her work she specialises in helping children and families
in crisis situations, primarily divorce. She helps people with anxiety disorders and interpersonal relationship problems.