Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 12، March 2026 ، issue Number 118

The Role of Humor as a Compensation Mechanism in Moderating the Sense of Inferiority in Children's and Adolescent Stories Based on Adler's Theory

Elham Azarmi , Navazollah Farhadi (Author in Charge)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the contemporary world where anxiety and social tension are spreading alarmingly even among children, the role of children"s literature, especially the humor genre, in the emotional and psychological education of the aforementioned age groups has become doubly important. Humor, as one of the fundamental elements of children"s literature, is not only a means of entertainment, but also a psychological mechanism for reducing anxiety, strengthening resilience, and social growth. Based on Alfred Adler"s theory, alternative mechanisms, including humor, can be used to overcome feelings of inferiority. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological role of humor in reducing anxiety and inferiority complex and creating a sense of social belonging in children and adolescents. For this purpose, Eshghe Khame"i and Qandabad, will be examined.

METHODOLOGY: The present study will be conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach and a psychological criticism approach from Alfred Adler’s perspective. The research data will be collected through qualitative content analysis of the text and extraction of situational and verbal humor samples in the story Eshghe Khame"iand Qandabad and its correspondence with Alfred Adler’s theory of inferiority complex.

FINDINGS: The research findings show that in the story Eshghe Khame"iand Qandabad Love, humor is not only a means of laughter, but also an effective factor in moderating social tension and anxiety in children and adolescents in order to increase their sense of self-confidence and social interaction.

CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that, based on Adler’s theory of individual psychology, humor can act as a compensatory strategy and lead the child from a sense of helplessness and inferiority to a sense of belonging and social adequacy. The story Eshghe Khame"i and Qandabad Love, with its humorous language and a deep look at rebuilding emotional relationships, leads to strengthening empathy and reducing anxiety in the minds of the child and adolescent audience; Therefore, these works can be considered a successful example of the conscious use of humor for the psychological education of children and adolescents.

Keyword
Feeling of inferiority. Alfred Adler. Child and adolescent h