Longitudinal associations between younger children's humour styles and psychosocial adjustment

Abstract

Whilst a multitude of studies have examined links between different styles of humour and aspects of adjustment, longitudinal research is noticeably lacking. Following a study which identified bidirectional associations between humour styles and psychosocial adjustment in older children, the current research aimed to investigate these associations in younger children. In total, 413 children aged 8–11 years completed the humour styles questionnaire for younger children (HSQ-Y) alongside measures of psychosocial adjustment in both the autumn and the summer over the course of a school year. Findings across the school year suggested that children's adjustment may impact significantly on their use of different styles of humour. Further longitudinal research over a longer time period would now be beneficial to further increase our understanding of the associations between humour styles and adjustment throughout development.

Citation

James, L. A., & Fox, C. L. (2018). Longitudinal associations between younger children's humour styles and psychosocial adjustment. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 36(4), 589-605. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjdp.12244

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 2, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Publicly Available Date: May 26, 2023
• Journal: British Journal of Developmental Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0261-510X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 589-605
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjdp.12244
• Keywords: children, humour, humour styles, longitudinal, psychosocial adjustment
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjdp.12244