ABSTRACT
Humor is especially important in the early phase of group. The first task must be to relieve anxiety and resolve resistances to participation, and for this humor is the most disarming instrument. After all, the ego of an adolescent has been weakened and made unstable by the massive psychological shifts and physiological maturation. As a result, adolescents confront feelings of uncertainty and insecurity daily. When they enter a group, these feelings often intensify and can easily develop into paranoia. At this stage, the leader employs humor to defuse their anxiety and tension. Never use humor in anger or force humor in inappropriate moments. Teenagers are easily hurt. In addition, mocking or ridiculing a group member, by a leader or fellow member, is never acceptable and will destroy the spirit of the group. It may appear harmless but in time, attendance will taper off and the group will fall apart.
