Psychology of Humor

The Psychology of Humor: An Integrative Approach, Second Edition reviews existing literature, integrating disperse 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 psychology
• Integrates research findings into a coherent, conceptual framework
• Includes recent brain imaging studies, evolutionary models and animal research
• Draws on contributions from sociology, linguistics, neuroscience and anthropology
• Explores applications of humor in psychotherapy, education and the workplace
• Presents information in a scholarly yet accessible style