The influence of humor and amusement on mother-adolescent sexual communication

This study examines the impact of a humorous intervention designed to increase mothers' intentions to talk to their child about sex (N = 442). Mother-adolescent sexual communication has been linked to positive sexual health outcomes for the child, but little is known about how to motivate mothers to engage in this communication. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, the experiment tests the impact of humor and amusement on attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and likelihood of future sexual communication. Results reveal that mere exposure to humor can have a negative effect on participants, unless they report being highly amused, in which case their communication attitudes, norms, and intentions are increased. Results are discussed in light of implications for understanding the persuasive effect of humor and amusement on future mother-adolescent sexual communication.