Appreciation of Pro-Attitudinal Versus Counter-Attitudinal Political Humor: A Cognitive Consistency Approach to the Study of Political Entertainment. Issue 1 (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peifer, Jason T.; Holbert, R. Lance
• Is Part Of: Communication quarterly. Volume 64:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Cognitive Consistency -- Counter-Attitudinal Humor -- Mediation -- Political Humor -- Pro-Attitudinal Humor; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2015.1078828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-3373

Abstract

Abstract : This study highlights the explanatory principle of cognitive consistency as a foundation for political entertainment research. More specifically, appreciation for pro- versus counter-attitudinal political humor is analyzed via one statewide (N = 304) and two national surveys (N = 1008, N = 786, respectively). Analyses reveal a preference for pro-attitudinal over counter-attitudinal humor. In addition, an assessment of pro- versus counter-attitudinal political humor appreciation serving as potential mediators of one another relative to political party identification is offered. Pro-attitudinal political humor appreciation serves as the stronger mediator, but a full range of mediation-based processes are evident. Implications and potential future lines of research are detailed.