Interpersonal communication motives and perceptions of humor among elders

This study explored the relationship between interpersonal communication motives and perceptions of humor use among elders. Elders (N = 143) ranging in age from 50 to 94 completed questionnaires assessing their interpersonal communication motives (ICM), perceived uses of humor (UHI), and demographics. The hypotheses predicting differential relationships among uses of humor and motives for communicating were supported. Elder men and women differed in their ICM and UHI.