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Humor processing, mentalizing, and executive function in normal aging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 March 2006

JENNIFER UEKERMANN ,
SHELLEY CHANNON  and
IRENE DAUM
JENNIFER UEKERMANN
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
SHELLEY CHANNON
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
IRENE DAUM
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Abstract

Recent investigations have emphasized the importance of the prefrontal cortex for humor processing. Although the prefrontal cortex is thought to be affected by normal aging, relatively little work has been carried out to investigate the effects of aging on humor processing. In the present investigation participants in three age groups were assessed on a humor comprehension task. They then answered mentalistic and nonmentalistic questions. Executive tasks were also administered. The older group selected significantly fewer correct punchlines from alternatives than the other groups. They were also poorer at answering mentalistic questions, but did not differ significantly for nonmentalistic questions. The findings of the present investigation showed altered in humor processing in normal aging, and this appeared to be related to mentalizing ability. (JINS, 2006, 12, 184–191.)

Keywords

Theory of mindMentalizingCognitiveDevelopmentSocial cognitionIncongruityResolution
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , March 2006 , pp. 184 - 191
Copyright
© 2006 The International Neuropsychological Society

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