Humour Comprehension and Use of Mental State Language in Williams Syndrome and Down Syndrome

Smriti Krishan, Jennifer Batchelor and Melanie Porter
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Jennifer Batchelor: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Australia
Melanie Porter: Centre for Atypical Neurodevelopment, Macquarie University, Australia

Global Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, 2017, vol. 2, issue 4, 107-118

Abstract: Good humor comprehension and mental state language use is reported to be associated with good theory of mind (ToM) capabilities. There is limited research on humor comprehension in Williams Syndrome (WS) and Down Syndrome (DS), but related research in non-literal language and humour comprehension in people with intellectual disabilities suggest humor comprehension may be impaired in these populations. Furthermore, there is mixed evidence for ToM in WS and DS and limited research exists on the use of mental state language in either WS or DS. So far, the literature suggests that people with WS have are good at inferring emotions, however both WS and DS individuals have difficulties with producing cognitive language (e.g., thinks, believes). The current study sought to examine humour comprehension and use of mental state language in WS and DS relative to one another and relative to neuro typical controls, as well as the relationship between humour comprehension and mental state language use. Participants (30 WS; 18 DS; 27 CA; 30 MA controls-17 MA matched to WS; 13 MA matched to DS) were shown 23 cartoon jokes and were asked to explain what was funny.

Keywords: Journal of Intellectual; Intellectual & Developmental; Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities; Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities; journal of intellectual disability research; journal of intellectual disabilities; journal of intellectual disability research impact factor; journal of intellectual property studies; open access publishers in usa; juniper publishers review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:adp:jgjidd:v:2:y:2017:i:4:p:107-118

DOI: 10.19080/GJIDD.2017.02.555594

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