release theory of humor

the theory that people laugh out of a need to release pent-up psychic energy. In Sigmund Freud’s version of this theory, humor permits the expression of normally taboo impulses, and the energy it releases is that normally used in keeping such impulses out of consciousness. See also incongruity theory of humor.

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Psychology term of the day

October 9th 2024

shaken baby syndrome (SBS)

Sorry, "shaken-baby-syndrome-sbs" is not in the Dictionary of Psychology. Please report to APA if you believe this is an error.