The relation between the attitude toward humor, aggression and altruism

Abstract

This study investigated the attitude towards humor and the relationship among the attitude, aggression and altruism. Four hundred and seven subjects answered the questionnaires consisting of (1) items about attitude toward humor, (2) items about aggression and altruism, and (3) items about humorous statements, frequently heared in negative situations. Factor analysis revealed that the attitude toward humor consists of two factors; (a) preference for aggressive humor and (b) preference for playful humor. The former is related to aggression and altruism, while the latter is related to altruism only. The items about humorous statements frequently heard in negative situations suggested that preference for aggressive humor is related to aggressive behavior, while preference for playful humor is related to moderation of the atmosphere.