The Psychology of Humor: An Integrative Approach

The Psychology of Humor: An Integrative Approach, Second Edition, reviews existing literature, integrating diverse findings from subdisciplines in psychology, anthropology, biology, computer science, linguistics and sociology. The book defines humor, presents theories of humor and analyzes research findings. Coverage includes the cognitive processes involved in humor, as well as the effects of humor on cognition, the neurobiology of humor, the social functions of humor, individual differences in personality and humor, the development of humor and use over the lifespan, the association of humor with both physical and mental health, and applications of humor use in psychotherapy, education and the workplace.

Covers research on humor and laughter in every area of psychologyIntegrates research findings into a coherent, conceptual frameworkIncludes recent brain imaging studies, evolutionary models and animal researchDraws on contributions from sociology, linguistics, neuroscience and anthropologyExplores applications of humor in psychotherapy, education and the workplacePresents information in a scholarly yet accessible style

1. Introduction to the Psychology of Humor 2. Classic Theories of Humor 3. Contemporaries of Humor 4. The Personality Psychology of Humor 5. The Cognitive Psychology of Humor 6. The Physiological Psychology of Humor and Laughter 7. The Developmental Psychology of Humor 8. The Social Psychology of Humor 9. The Clinical Psychology of Humor: Humor and Mental Health 10. The Health Psychology of Humor: Humor and Physical Health 11. Applications of Humor in Education and in the Workplace