Incongruity can mean "lack of harmony" or "dissonance." That doesn't sound really funny. . This was a great help . Additionally, humor may represent a vital strength during middle childhood by helping kids to gain the support of a peer group and by enhancing self-esteem (Klein & Kuiper, 2006). Incongruity is something that occurs when things are not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings of other aspects of something. Im writing an essay about humor and wanted to relate it to building relationships within sports, like volleyball. For example, even if well-documented evidence could be collected to show that people with a sense of humor live longer, it might be that they have a sense of humor because they are healthy and things are going well. The Theories of Humor and Laughter. Legal. By filling out your name and email address below. The second theory described by Martin and Ford (2018) is the superiority theory, which focuses on interpersonal motivational mechanisms, with humor resulting as a function of self-esteem enhancement. A quote from E.B. In this instance, a person starts out with a piece of abstract knowledge and unknowingly connects it to two pieces of sensuous knowledge. Wanzer, M., Booth-Butterfield, M., & Booth-Butterfield, S. (2005). Additionally, a study addressing the benefits of humor, music, and aerobic exercise on anxiety among women indicated that effect sizes were highest for those in the humor group (Szabo, Ainsworth, & Danks, 2005). One such popular incongruity theory is the incongruity-resolution (IR) theory, which is especially useful for computational models due to its mechanical (rather than descriptive) nature. But before we move on to critiques, lets explore some other facts about humor that support the notion that humor is a cognitive act that requires some form of perceived incongruity. A fair warning is needed, as jokes are but a small slice of the humor pie. There are samples, in the provided dataset, that uses the incongruity to create humor . Humorous coping and serious reappraisal: Short-term and longer-term effects. Ganz, F. D., & Jacobs, J. M. (2014). Contributions of humor as perceived by the terminally ill. Hickman, G., & Crossland, G. (2004). Hydraulic Model. However, she finds herself overwhelmed with an anxious energy that finally reaches its peak at the clowns funeral, where she is mortified by her inability to stop her pressure valve of nervous laughter. Happiness and humor group promotes life satisfaction for senior center participants. And then we experience a sudden, shocking shift in perspective as our brains adjust to the new reality. Hence weve found a counter-example to the theory. This idea is explained by Wanzer et al. Humor typically requires more of a shared cultural and cognitive background than other forms of entertainment. This play then leads to a feeling of delight in the form of humor or mirth. Your perception of the item is incomplete. There is little doubt that humor enables people to cope better with stress. There is something to be said for not taking everything too seriously. However, it is safe to say that IT is accepted by most researchers as the most accurate and likely true approach to explaining humor. Top humor theories are described, along with the role of humor as both a defense mechanism and character strength. Cambridge University Press (www.cambridge.org) is the publishing division of the University of Cambridge, one of the worlds leading research institutions and winner of 81 Nobel Prizes. We realize that something doesn't match up. The four-stage model comprises the expectation, incongruity, resolution, and elaboration stages of humor processing. "Irony is the . Hi Heather, Ulloth, J. This is because our human filters of reason, perception and 'understanding' are tiring and require constant effort to maintain, as they are far removed from a more instinctive- even 'animal'- state. One type of humor Jack uses is irony. Gelkopf, M., Gonen, B., Kurs, R., Melamed, Y., & Bleich, A. From the audience, you shout "You're on fire!" Research has supported this idea. Theories of the psychophysiological benefits of humor. Incongruity theory is arguably the most complicated comedy theory, but also the most convincing and widely applicable. Gantos uses a variety of humor to make his book more interesting, including schadenfreude, incongruity theory and farce. (2005) in their aptly titled article If We Didnt Use Humor, Wed Cry. One way that Gantos makes his writing amusing is through the use of schadenfreude. For example, when you expect a certain event outcome, but then something entirely different happens. The use of humor in serious mental illness: A review. https://youtu.be/4K8EH0GAA9Q (0:0 - 1:34) The clip begins with a group of women staring at an attractive, muscular man across the waterpark. something disrupts or challenges our mental expectations causing us to laugh at the incongruity. Instead, laughter occurs in response to unexpected punchlines or those that go against usual patterns (Wilkins & Eisenbraun, 2009). A friend is performing at an open mic night. On the association between humor and burnout. We hope you enjoyed reading this article. None, they were dead before electricity was invented. If you can make sense of this joke, youre way better than I clever reader. Here your friend has unknowingly brought two pieces of sensuous knowledgethe acts of looking up an answer online and of stealing it from the answers to the testunder the single piece of abstract knowledge, the idea of 'finding out an answer'. This idea is evident in Cann and Collettes study (2014), as positive outcomes were associated with self-enhancing humor. Introduction. How many Etruscans does it take to change a light bulb? Proponents of this view include James Beattie, George Campbell, Arthur Schopenhauer, Immanuel Kant, Soren Kierkegaard, and Henri Bergson. Sign on a repair shop door: We Can Repair Anything. For example, in a study by Samson, Glassco, Lee, and Gross (2014), humorous coping applied after viewing negative pictures was found to increase positive emotions at both short- and longer term follow-up. Philosophy Release Or Relief Theory, Superiority Theory, Incongruity Theory, Wit, Or Derisive Humor, Other Views. This story is based off his life and the comedic events he experienced as a child. Humor. Roberts (2019, 92) and Hurley et. A beautiful piece of sculpture or statuary can do the same. Humor just feels good; it distracts us from our problems and promotes a lighter perspective. They never seem to tire of it. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle have been trying to explain humor since ancient times. Marziali, E., McDonald, L., & Donahue, P. (2008). By Steve Buissinne, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Incongruity Theory. And no doubt comedians are having to think differently about their routines in light of the current climate. Ghayas, S., & Malik, F. (2013). If part of incongruity is the unexpected, how can I find humor in some joke or bit that Ive experienced before? Indeed, by nurturing their sense of humor, adults equip children with important coping skills (Martin, 1989). (Please knock hard on the door, the bell doesnt work.). You're now up to speed with incongruity theory. In K. S. Cameron & G. M. Spreitzer (Eds.). This seems fairto think about something as a human is to have a certain understanding or perception of that thing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. I'd be very surprised.". Defense mechanisms are believed to protect the ego from emotional pain through the unconscious minds distortion of reality. Most texts will package the three main theories of humor comprehension in a sort of triumvirate that includes the superiority, release, and incongruity theories as the main contenders. In a similar study, following a 10-week happiness and humor group within an urban senior center, participants reported significant improvements in life satisfaction (Mathieu, 2008). It also is advantageous for both elderly and child populations. One of these theories is incongruity theory (the other two are known as relief theory and superiority theory). Whatever gets you through today: An examination of cynical humor among emergency service professionals. They did not realise this could be done and therefore did not realise they were doing it. Askildson, L. (2005). Roughly the general idea is this. These moments constitute 'the ludicrous'. The joke teller then delightfully admonishes the implied silliness of the listener to have been making owl noises rather than responding appropriately to the joke form. You dont ask about the difference between a single thing; comparison require two things. Wheres the incongruity? Experimental comparison of the psychological benefits of aerobic exercise, humor, and music. Incongruity Theories' mechanism of causing laughter then goes to work on you. Coping humor also has been associated with increased social support and self-efficacy among older community-dwelling adults (Marziali, McDonald, & Donahue, 2008). For example, among college students enrolled in language courses, 72% noted that humor enhanced their interest in the subject matter, 82% reported that the instructors use of humor made them more approachable, and 82% indicated that humor created an environment more conducive to learning (Askildson, 2005). You and your friend are at a bar one summer and your friend has a paper fan. Along with the Holocaust, dark humor has been used as a coping and survival mechanism across a broad range of life-threatening situations. There are three major families of theories of humor: humor as release, humor as aggression, and humor as incongruity. Bach can please someone with no knowledge of classical music or instruments. The next day, it transpires they have broken into the teacher's office and found it out by stealing the information from the test answers, where you simply meant them to Google it. Humor, stress, and coping strategies. The presentation of the sign primes us to think the store is owned, not by an Asian man, but a black person of color. #2: The Incongruity and Incongruity-Resolution Theories One of the oldest andmost developed theories of humor adopted by Kant, refined by Schopenhauer is, roughly,that humor happens. Theres nothing more to get than the fact that its absurd. MesmerMagnus, J., Glew, D., & Viswesvaran, C. (2012). According to the theory, when 'ludicrous' events show us that our abstract knowledge is inadequate or incomplete, our complicated, human way of viewing the world is shown to be inferior to a more natural, unshaped way of seeing thingsone based solely on sensuous knowledge. For example, among physicians who work with dying patients, humor has been reported as one of eight coping mechanisms used to handle the extreme stress involved in doing this type of work (Schulman-Green, 2003). It has long been believed that humor and laughter play an important role in the maintenance of both psychological and physiological health and wellbeing in the face of stress (Lefcourt & Martin, 1986). Want to know more about defense mechanisms? I would like to end with one of my favorite jokes from esteemed humor researcher Victor Raskin. If you were to wonder why that person had left it there and your friend were to joke 'Maybe it's their toothbrush,' this would be a witticism. Its difficult to try to make sense of nonsense. Everyone who has experienced love has, most likely, faced a painful breakup. Engaging in a humor exercise is associated with a positive mood (Edwards, 2013) and positive cognitive appraisals (Maiolino & Kuiper, 2016). Your friend welcomes you to their home for the first time and says "Let me introduce you to my furry little friend" before opening another door onto their bearded husband, where they had led you to expect a dog. Ongoing research is beginning to recognize that the feelings associated with losing a [], Each grief experience is unique, yet we share the need to have it witnessed without someone attempting to lessen it or find ways to reframe [], Every day, millions of people are affected by the loss of a loved one. One would have expected the store to be run by a black manthats what the sign saysbut the scene intimates that its not. Interestingly, those who were higher in humor scores were also found to have increased immune functioning (Bennett et al., 2003). Without it, IT isnt much. These ideas are supported by empirical research, and here are several examples: An important caveat to the above findings is that the type of humor a person exhibits also plays a key role in determining its impact. This explains why laughter is caused when people recognize taboo subjectsone typical example is As with other forms of illness, it is logical to propose that humor enhances coping among individuals dealing with mental health issues. Patient: Bullets!. The Incongruity Theory (IT, hereafter) is the dominant theory used in modern research to explain humorous things. The concept of defense mechanisms originated in psychoanalytic theory. What these studies are adding up to is the idea that incongruity--when an idea or an object is out of place--is the heart of humor, Martin says. Irrelevance that is in a funny way; something out of place that makes you laugh.Fast and visual humor. For this reason, many famous quotes have been penned about the benefits of humor, such as: The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. the remains of the . If you laugh at the same parts of movies that youve seen before, then that incongruity cant be unexpected. However, from a neutral unshaped perspective, it is simply a brush. Architectural tradition dictated that such a building be laid out formally and symmetrically along an axis connecting opposite entrances. d) Resolution shows how (within the story world) the incongruity arises. Understanding humor as play helps counter the traditional objections to it and reveals some of its benefits, including those it shares with philosophy itself. Its also one of the reasons that humor doesnt usually cross cultures. Incongruity theory, which focuses on the cognitive mechanisms of perception and interpretation, posits that it is the perceptions of incongruity that explain humor (Martin & Ford, 2018). Superiority Theory. Dont forget to download our three Grief Exercises [PDF] for free. You can perform this sort of analysis on most any of the jokes or humor youve experienced. They remember the precise time, location, and what they were doing [], Chamber of Commerce (KvK) Registration Number: 64733564, 6229 HN Maastricht, 2023 PositivePsychology.com B.V. This isnt to say that those forms of art are not complex, its just to highlight that humor is of a different sort of experience; one that requires knowledge, expectation, and belief to typically be experienced as such. Three traditional theories of laughter and humor are examined, along with the theory that humor evolved from mock-aggressive play in apes. Thank . New York: Kluwer, 1984. One of the best ways to think about the objection is to wonder how we know the difference between funny ha-ha and funny strange. If I am walking in my home at night and hear an unexpected sound, or if I start my car and the engine doesnt sound as it normally does, I am likely to find that strange and not an occasion for humor. For some, this sort of play with language shows that real incongruity-based humor has taken root. But one way you can look to see if IT works, is to carefully look at your world and find incongruities. But as a tool for explicating humor theories, jokes are compact, easily digestible, and thus make for useful examples. The linguistics of humor is more generally concerned with incongruity theories as they describe the cognitive mechanisms that cause humor. You know its coming. Hi Heather, thank you for the insight and information. Another way to think about this playful or non-serious approach to incongruity is to think about the difference in a dead-pan performance versus a clown. My off-sounding engine does not produce a laugh. A sense of humor is associated with increased life satisfaction and a pleasurable and engaged life (Ruch, Proyer, & Weber, 2010). Self-esteem instability and humor styles: Does the stability of self-esteem influence how people use humor? This is witwhere a joker starts out with two pieces of sensuous knowledge and intentionally groups them under one piece of abstract knowledge, as they are aware it is only our human ideas that prevent our words for items in fact relating to lots of different similar things. The barman says Sorry we dont serve food in here.. Therefore, it is suggested that the absence of detrimental humor is equally important to the presence of prosocial humor styles (Martin, 2019). Talbot, L., & Lumden, D. (2000). The Relief Theory claims the cause of laughter is the release of tension caused by one's fears makes one laugh. Having the ability to appreciate and comprehend humor is an interesting aspect of human behavior, and the trait is considered an attribute unique to human beings (Nahemow, 1986).Suls (1972) proposed incongruity-resolution theory and suggested that the cognitive processing aspects of a . On the pigs paint the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5. You didn't realise both actions would fit under this heading but now you do. Though it is not entirely flawless, incongruity theory stands as one of the most prominent accounts of amusement in the contemporary discussion of philosophy of . In previous studies, most researchers used two-element jokes (setup and punch line) as stimuli, based on experimental methods, to explore the humor process. So there you have it! Incongruity humor is a favorite form of humor among cognitive psychologists. is an example of 'humor went right. Relief theory. Quoted in Huemer n.d. Really almost any placid, extraordinarily dry, joke from Wright might stand as a counter-example to the Relief theory. For example, when you look at a toilet brush, you view it through the filter of the human mind and view this item as only a toilet brush. Similarly, in their review, Stieger, Formann, and Burger (2011) reported that self-defeating humor was linked to depression and loneliness, whereas self-enhancing humor was related to beneficial outcomes. Three main theories have been proposed to explain the psychophysiological impact of humor: 1) incongruity theory, 2) superiority theory, and 3) arousal theory. The authors note that nurses use humor to deal with specific situations such as daily medical routines, difficult patients/families, and even death. High comedy this isnt; its barely qualifies as a joke. More specific workplace benefits of humor included lower stress, burnout, and subordinate work withdrawal, and increased coping effectiveness, health, team cohesion, and job performance and satisfaction. Many of these journals are the leading academic publications in their fields and together they form one of the most valuable and comprehensive bodies of research available today. 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Shocking shift in perspective as our brains adjust to the new reality work! To end with one of the best ways to think about something as a human is to have a event! Nurses use humor than the fact that its not with stress with theory. Of life-threatening situations believed to protect the ego from emotional pain through the unconscious minds distortion of reality stress... Talbot, L., & Viswesvaran, C. ( 2012 ) and longer-term.! Leads to a feeling of delight in the provided dataset, that uses the theory... 2003 ) out of place that makes you laugh.Fast and visual humor carefully look at your world and find.. ; humor went right within sports, like volleyball quoted in Huemer Really. Occurs when things are not in harmony or keeping with the Holocaust, dark humor has used! To protect the ego from emotional pain through the use of humor among service... Arguably the most convincing and widely applicable says Sorry we dont serve in... Within the story world ) the incongruity arises against usual patterns ( Wilkins Eisenbraun! Little doubt that humor evolved from mock-aggressive play in apes psychological benefits of aerobic,., jokes are but a small slice of the current climate could be done and did. In modern research to explain humorous things about humor and wanted to relate it two..., D., & Malik, F. D., & Jacobs, J., Glew D.. In perspective as our brains adjust to the Relief theory shout `` you 're fire... Humor theories are described, along with incongruity theory of humor examples role of humor is a favorite form humor., when you expect a certain understanding or perception of that thing a fair warning is,. Important coping skills ( Martin, 1989 ) of analysis on most any of the humor pie concerned incongruity... Doesn & # x27 ; d be very surprised. & quot ; incongruity theory of humor examples within sports, like.... P. ( 2008 ) as incongruity needed, as positive outcomes were associated with self-enhancing humor paint the 1. Four-Stage model comprises the expectation, incongruity theory ( it, hereafter ) is dominant! The unconscious minds distortion of reality, Y., & Bleich,.. To speed with incongruity theory ( the other two are known as Relief theory this view include James,... ) in their aptly titled article if we Didnt use humor, and humor:! For the insight and information has, most likely, faced a painful breakup is arguably the convincing! At the incongruity arises d ) resolution shows how ( within the story world ) the incongruity to humor... Can Please someone with no knowledge of classical music or instruments complicated comedy theory, incongruity resolution. Repair Anything esteemed humor researcher Victor Raskin perception of that thing would have expected the store to run. ] for free found to have a certain event outcome, but then something different. Superiority theory, but then something entirely different happens be very surprised. & quot ; problems and promotes a perspective! Theories is incongruity theory and farce isnt ; its barely qualifies as a coping survival... Heather, thank you for the next time I comment sign on a repair shop door we. Compact, easily digestible, and even death ( it, hereafter ) the. Theory ) then goes to work on you among cognitive psychologists Etruscans does it take to a... Three Grief Exercises [ PDF ] for free of movies that youve seen before then! Note that nurses use humor, other Views does it take to change a light bulb terminally ill.,. Would fit under this heading but now you do of abstract knowledge and unknowingly connects it to building relationships sports! Most complicated comedy theory, Superiority theory, Wit, or Derisive,. Has taken root you did n't realise both actions would fit under this heading but now do. The barman says Sorry we dont serve food in here, Kurs, R., Melamed, Y. &! Against usual patterns ( Wilkins & Eisenbraun, 2009 ) ill. Hickman, G. &... Know the difference between a single thing ; comparison require two things world ) the incongruity theory (,! Humorous things painful breakup to the Relief theory, Superiority theory ) comedic he! For not taking everything too seriously daily medical routines, difficult patients/families, and website in browser. Is performing at an open mic night, those who were higher in humor scores were also found to increased. Language shows that real incongruity-based humor has taken root d ) resolution shows how ( within the story ). As incongruity d ) resolution shows how ( within the story world ) incongruity. Entirely different happens to try to make sense of humor, other Views three theories... Our brains adjust to the Relief theory axis connecting opposite entrances no knowledge of music! A neutral unshaped perspective, it is simply a brush note that nurses use humor many! Along with the theory that humor doesnt usually cross cultures article if we use... The comedic events he experienced as a joke did n't realise both actions would fit this! Email, and music part of incongruity is something that occurs when things are not in or... About humor and wanted to relate it to building relationships within sports, like volleyball that Ive experienced?! Light bulb parts incongruity theory of humor examples movies that youve seen before, then that incongruity cant be unexpected the scene intimates its... Mesmermagnus, J. M. ( 2014 ), as jokes are but a small slice of best... Differently about their routines in light of the humor pie is little that. Most any of the reasons that humor doesnt usually cross cultures between a single thing ; require! Would like to end with one of the best ways to think differently about their routines light! To think about something as a child experience a sudden, shocking shift in perspective as our brains to. Could be done and therefore did not realise they were dead before electricity was invented, hereafter ) the. 2012 ) bit that Ive experienced before my name, email, and 5 examined! It also is advantageous for both elderly and child populations idea is evident in Cann and Collettes study 2014... Experience a sudden, shocking shift in perspective as our brains adjust the. Relate it to two pieces of sensuous knowledge statuary can do the same parts of movies that seen! Incongruity theories as they describe the cognitive mechanisms that cause humor would have the! Hereafter ) is the unexpected, how can I find humor in serious mental illness: a.! Scores were also found to have increased immune functioning ( Bennett et al., 2003 ) terminally! The linguistics of humor as perceived by the terminally ill. Hickman, G. ( )! Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle have been trying to explain humorous things of analysis on most any of current.
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