Humor

Expression of humor begins at an early age in humans and it arises from both cognitive and social-emotional developmental origins. This book presents research on the emotional aspects, role in social interaction, and the health effects of humor. Chapter One begins with a discussion on social-emotional and cognitive aspects of humor, and suggests that the interactions among these developmental factors provide impetus for the expression and appreciation of humor, even during early childhood. Chapter Two supports the Theory of the Absurd and the Empowerment theory as a framework of unfolding the clowning behaviors of a kindergartener and provides a positive way of considering clowning during the early childhood years highlighting its importance to play and social empowerment. Chapter Three studies the impact of humor of closeness to neighbors. Chapter Four aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the fields of social cognition, identity, and humor within adolescence. Chapter Five explores some of the ways that humor may influence workplace health and well-being, while also addressing some of the problematic aspects of humor use. Chapter Six explores areas of healthcare where the deployment of humor or response to patient-initiated humor and/or laughter by a health profession would be considered inappropriate by their peers and/or their patient and/or the patients family and friends. Chapter Seven analyses instances of a specific kind of humor that has been identified as jocular mockery because of its frequent occurrence in intimate and close relationships among friends.