Some aspects of form and function of humor in adolescence

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates the use, form and function of humor for children aged 12–16 years in two different schools including 47 participants through interviews and 112 participants in a questionnaire. The assumption is made, that developmental changes in form and function of humor for children aged 12–13 years may be influenced by their actual environmental settings and their actual tasks. Data from 12–16 year old children from two schools (school 1, in the countryside with grade 1 to 7 and school 2 in an town area with grade 1 to 10) is analyzed to see whether adult humor appears at an earlier stage in school 1. Finally, the study considers the importance of children's sense of humor in problem solving and social interaction during the period 12–16 years.