Social Psychological Aspects of Humor

The theoretical part of the thesis first outlines basic theories of humour. Further, it deals with the psychological functions of humour, specifically cognitive, social and psychohygienic. Since preference, content and sharing of humour are to an important extent influenced by the life period in which a person finds himself/herself, the thesis also focuses on the connection between humour and ontogenetic development of human. In her thesis, the author also pays attention to laughter, which represents the most common reaction to a humorous stimulus, and to sense of humour, being an important personality characteristic of people. The final chapter maps a role of humour in various themes of social psychology. It deals with its influence on social interaction, attitudes or relationships, with emphasis on close relationships. Gender differences and similarities in using, preferring and appreciating humour are covered too. Finally, it discusses humour in connection with communicating aggressive and hostile content. The empirical part contains research on the connection between satisfaction in a relationship and using humour in three types of close relationships - with a partner, parent and friend. The research further addresses the question whether there are differences in functions of humour between the..