A personality-based model of humor development during adulthood

A model of humor development in adolescence & adulthood is presented based on personality correlates of humor appreciation. Factor-analytic research has determined two consistent factors of humor appreciation -- enjoyment of incongruity-resolution & of nonsense -- & suggested that these factors are closely related to the three personality correlates of conservatism, sensation-seeking, & openness to experience. The model suggests that as these personality characteristics show predictable changes across the lifespan, enjoyment of humor will demonstrate parallel changes. The need for empirical longitudinal testing of the model is discussed. 2 Figures, 98 References. D. Generoli