Humour on the Couch

the long version

"Humour on the Couch traces the philosophical, social and psychological perspectives of humour. Humour is presented as a form of playing which originates in the earliest exchanges between mother and baby, conferring significant advantages on our adaptation. The relationship between physical and mental health and humour is examined in the light of the research literature of both psychology and medicine. This is followed by a review and discussion of psychoanalytic views of humour in psychotherapy. Alessandra Lemma concludes the book with a look at evolutionary perspectives of humour."--Jacket.