Table 1: Summary of humor theories.

Theory Concept Outcome
Relief
  • Release of tension
  • Arousal
  • Environment less threatening
  • Positive reappraisals of situations
Incongruity
  • Resolving contradictions
    • Cognitive surprise
    • Expectations versus experience
    Superiority
  • Critical of opposition Butt of joke
    • Sense of supremacy
    • Unifying group