The Cognitive Neuroscience of Humor

In this innovative book, cognitive psychologist Shelia M. Kennison presents a rich overview of research on how the human brain works when processing humor, drawing on the new and sophisticated brain-imaging technologies that have enabled researchers and health professionals to expand their knowledge about how the brain works under different conditions.

Kennison examines how humor is involved in cognition and memory, human development, and overall mental and physical health. Studies show that comprehending humor involves numerous regions throughout the brain and leads to physiological changes in the brain and body, which are beneficial for health. In contrast, humor deficits are observed in cases of normal aging, brain damage resulting from traumatic brain injury or disease, and developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.

Readers will gain a fundamental understanding of the biological basis of humor.

1. Introduction
2. Individual Differences in Humor
3. Humor Following Brain Injury
4. EEG Studies of Discourse Comprehension
5. Brain Imaging Studies of Humor Comprehension
6. Development of Humor in Typical and Atypical Individuals
7. Cascading Effects of Humor on Mind and Body
8. Evolutionary Perspectives on Humor
9. Future Directions

Shelia M. Kennison is professor of psychology at Oklahoma State University. She earned her PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and bachelor's degree in psychology and linguistics from Harvard University. She is a fellow of APA and the Psychonomic Society.

Her research interests include humor, language processing in monolinguals and bilinguals, and individual differences in verbal and physical risk-taking. She has published numerous research articles. Her previous books include the textbooks An Introduction to Language Development and Psychology of Language: Theory and Applications.

She lives in Perkins, Oklahoma.

Visit her websiteopens in new window and follow @skennison.