Investigated humor response to aggressive cartoons using ratings of pain and funniness of cartoons by college students (n=93) and older adults (n=61). Found no significant age differences; however, sex differences were found. Females exhibited an inverted-U relationship between pain ratings and funniness ratings. For males there was no…

Suggests that humor promotes group unity, relieves tension, and stimulates creative thinking. Demonstrates how using cartoons in nursing education helps students identify and examine stereotypes to improve relationships. (SK)

We all come to the human family--and our schools--with different kinds of intellectual baggage and different kinds of lingo to describe it. "Underprivileged" to one becomes "over-exploited" to another; the same goes for "multiculturalism" versus "ethnocentrism." We all must learn to share perceptions honestly and respect these differences. (MLH)

This study compared the responses of 73 students (ages 6 to 21) with hearing impairments and a matched sample of hearing students to 14 cartoons. No significant differences in humor ratings were found between groups in their overall ratings, although significant differences were found between age groups and genders with younger participants and…

Examined processes by which 4- and 5-year-olds initiate, organize, and maintain language play interactions. Found that as children voice incongruities of greater proportion, the emotional climate of play is heightened and ingenious verbal representations are provoked. Identified developmental features of hyperbolic language play. Contextualized…

Examines historical ironies and stories with surprise endings about Rene Descartes and Wilhelm Wundt that can enliven history of psychology lectures and make certain concepts more memorable. Explains that this approach does not trivialize psychology's history but adds humor to a subject that students sometimes find dull. (CMK)

Examines approaches which have been successful in creating a humorous atmosphere in a Montessori class for 2- and 3-year olds, and reviews research findings with various ages and cross-cultural comparisons that contribute to an understanding of the role of humor in children's natural development. (Author)

A case study of a 29-year-old woman with high functioning autism is presented. Examples of her use of puns, jokes, neologisms, "portmanteau" words, irreverent humor, irony, sarcasm, and word play based on her obsessional interests are provided and discussed in relation to current theories of autism and of normal humor. (Contains references.)…

Discusses the use of humor in the counseling process and the potential difficulties when working with a client from a different culture. Explores the available literature and offers contributions on the subject from four ethnically diverse perspectives. Presents a general approach based on existential theory along with five general conditions to…

A high-school Spanish teacher recalls her first hectic year. She would have quit, without assistance with everyday classroom realities from an official mentor (a vice principal), a biology teacher, and a second-grade teacher (her mother). These mentors eventually became her best friends. (MLH)

Suggests teacher resiliency is a critical element in classroom success and teacher retention. Identifies significant adult relationships, a sense of personal responsibility, social and problem-solving skills, a sense of competence, expectations and goals, confidence, a sense of humor, and a sense of accomplishment as resources important in the…

According to one principal, an attention-getting fourth-grader's quick wit, creative excuses, and impish pranks demonstrated a high degree of thinking. Although the student's intellectual prowess defied testing and he was never viewed as a "smart" kid, he had a special kind of intelligence not often appreciated in school. (MLH)

January is a perfect time to insert a strong dose of humor into group time gatherings. Oftentimes, children have tired of the predictable pattern of group meetings and need some change. Humor-filled group time activities can be the best secret remedy. Not only will children become more interested in the group time meetings (and therefore listen…

For fifteen years, the presenter has engaged college students in discussions and writing assignments that pertain to the outstanding characteristics of their most effective teachers--"effective" meaning that these teachers made the most significant impact on their lives. Based on those recurring themes, the conclusion is that effective teachers…

Groups in high schools that use creative techniques help adolescents express their emotions appropriately, behave differently, and gain insight into themselves and others. This article looks at seven different creative arts media--music, movement, visual art, literature, drama, play, and humor--and offers examples of how they can be used in groups…