Abstract

Humor theories have existed for thousands of years, but psychological humor research has only been popular for the past few decades.  Though humor as causing physical health is still questionable, cognitive research of humor has enjoyed support that is more consistent.  Sigmund Freud's theories of jokes, the comic, and humor fall within the cognitive area of humor studies.  However, his works on humor, The Joke and Its Relation to the Unconscious (1905/2002) and “Humour” (1928), have received little attention or credit in psychology.  This thesis examines these works and shows how modern cognitive humor studies provide support for Freud's theory of humor and humorous displacement.  Also included is a background review of other humor theories and areas of research.