Appreciation of Pro-Attitudinal Versus Counter-Attitudinal Political Humor: A Cognitive Consistency Approach to the Study of Political Entertainment |
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| Authors: | Jason T Peifer R Lance Holbert |
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| Institution: | 1. Media School, Indiana University, Bloomingtonjpeifer@indiana.edu;3. Department of Strategic Communication, School of Media and Communication, Temple University |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | Cognitive Consistency Counter-Attitudinal Humor Mediation Political Humor Pro-Attitudinal Humor |
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