Children’s perceptions of others’ humor: does context matter?

Abstract Research suggests that those using adaptive forms of humor are perceived more positively compared to those using maladaptive forms of humor. Research of this nature, however, is yet to consider children. The present research involved presenting 357 children aged 9–11 years, with one of eight vignettes portraying either a male or female child using one of the four humor styles: affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive, and self-defeating. Participants then completed a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of the child in the vignette. In a second study, context was also investigated, with 386 children from the same age group, by describing the humor as having taken place in either the playground or classroom. Findings of study one showed that children using maladaptive forms of humor were viewed less positively than those using adaptive forms of humor. Findings from study two supported those from study one, and further showed that the context in which humor takes place may not be important. Overall, the findings of the current study are supportive of previous findings with adults and highlight the potential importance of humor use in children’s perceptions of their peers.