1
|
Kokkinos CM, Koutsospyros A. The Moderating Role of University Students' Humor Styles on the Association between General Mental Health and Subjective Well-Being. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 157:473-495. [PMID: 37625138 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2023.2244128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the associations among humor styles, general mental health (GMH), and subjective well-being (SWB) in a non-clinical sample of 662 university students (Mage = 21.35, SD = 4.14; 66.3% females) attending Greek public universities, via an online survey. In addition, it investigated possible moderating effects of humor styles in the association between GMH and SWB as well as gender differences. Positive correlations emerged between GMH and SWB, as well as among GMH, SWB, and benign humor styles. Malignant humor styles had a negative correlation with both GMH and SWB. The use of aggressive and self-defeating humor moderated the association between GMH and SWB in that at low levels of these humor styles the link between GMH and SWB was stronger. Finally, males scored higher on self-enhancing and aggressive humor than females. The findings expand previous research and are discussed in terms of their implications.
Collapse
|
2
|
Burger C. Humor Styles, Bullying Victimization and Psychological School Adjustment: Mediation, Moderation and Person-Oriented Analyses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11415. [PMID: 36141686 PMCID: PMC9517355 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Humor can be both adaptive and maladaptive and plays a role in bullying victimization and school adjustment. It was hypothesized that humor styles decrease or increase victimization, which in turn affects school adjustment. Furthermore, humor might moderate effects of victimization on school adjustment. Moreover, a person-oriented approach could improve our understanding of group differences in these variables. An online questionnaire retrospectively surveyed emerging adults (N = 172; 77.2% female; mean age: 22.7 years) with respect to humor style use, bullying victimization and school adjustment. Mediation and moderation analyses were computed, and two sets of person-oriented analyses compared victims, bully-victims and noninvolved students on humor styles and school adjustment, and three latent humor-related groups (overall-high, adaptive-high and adaptive-low) on victimization and school adjustment. Victimization fully mediated the positive effect of affiliative humor and partially mediated the negative effect of self-defeating humor on school adjustment. The negative effect of victimization on school adjustment was magnified by self-defeating humor and attenuated by aggressive humor. Bully-victims used both aggressive and self-defeating humor more frequently, and victims used aggressive and affiliative humor less frequently. Furthermore, both victims and bully-victims showed lower school adjustment. Finally, the adaptive-high humor group showed lower victimization and higher school adjustment. Implications for school interventions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Burger
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, A-1010 Vienna, Austria; ; Tel.: +43-1-293-1532
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, A-1010 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Psychological Methodology, Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University for Health Sciences, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, A-3500 Krems, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kokkinos CM, Voulgaridou I, Michaelides O. Big Five Traits Based Profiles and Humor Styles in Preadolescents. JOURNAL OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/1614-0001/a000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The present study investigated the relationship between Big Five traits-based profiles and humor styles in a sample of 426 Greek preadolescents. Latent Profile Analysis yielded three distinct personality profiles: resilients, average, and undercontrollers. These profiles exhibited significant group differences in humor styles. The resilient profile displayed the highest scores on the two benign humor styles and the lowest on the two malign styles. On the contrary, the under controllers scored lowest on the two benign humor styles and highest on self-defeating humor. Findings showed that the patterns identified in the extant literature between humor, personality, and adjustment generalize to preadolescents. These are discussed with reference to prior work and relevant theoretical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Costantinos M. Kokkinos
- Department of Primary Education, School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioanna Voulgaridou
- Department of Primary Education, School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Department of Education Sciences in Early Childhood, School of Education Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- School of Humanities, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Orestis Michaelides
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Gonot-Schoupinsky FN, Garip G, Sheffield D. Laughter and humour for personal development: A systematic scoping review of the evidence. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
6
|
Tsukawaki R, Kojima N, Imura T, Furukawa Y, Ito K. Relationship between types of humour and stress response and well‐being among children in Japan. ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ajsp.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tsukawaki
- Department of Social and Clinical Psychology Hijiyama University Hiroshima
| | | | | | | | - Katsuhiro Ito
- Department of Social and Clinical Psychology Hijiyama University Hiroshima
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perchtold CM, Weiss EM, Rominger C, Feyaerts K, Ruch W, Fink A, Papousek I. Humorous cognitive reappraisal: More benign humour and less "dark" humour is affiliated with more adaptive cognitive reappraisal strategies. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211618. [PMID: 30703148 PMCID: PMC6355006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity to find humorous perspectives in aversive situations may outline a helpful strategy in the context of cognitive reappraisal. Yet, research suggested that some people produce more adaptive humour than others. At the same time, not all forms of cognitive reinterpretation seem to be unequivocally beneficial. The present study aimed to investigate specific cognitive reappraisal strategies that individuals employ in humorous reappraisal of adverse events. In a sample of 95 participants, the use of cognitive reappraisal sub-strategies was assessed in a behavioural test in which participants were required to generate a series of humorous reappraisals of self-relevant, threatening events. These reappraisal sub-strategies (three positive reinterpretation strategies, three de-emphasising strategies) were then related to the habitual use of different kinds of humour as well as the broader DSM-5 personality trait domains and well-being in terms of depressive experiences, assessed by self-report questionnaires. While no robust relationships were found for reappraisal strategies based on de-emphasising, sub-strategies within the positive reinterpretation category showed specific and contrasting associations with the examined traits. Findings indicated that the ability to produce humour is only linked to a favourable pattern of reappraisal strategies when manifested in benign forms of humour. Specific relations also emerged for the broader personality traits. The study suggests that some characteristics that advance the use of benign humour also benefit adaptive emotion regulation. The opposite seems to be true for malicious, or "dark" humour. The introduced behavioural approach to the analysis of humorous cognitive reappraisal may prove useful also in future related research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kurt Feyaerts
- Department of Linguistics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willibald Ruch
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Fink
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ilona Papousek
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paine AL, Howe N, Karajian G, Hay DF, DeHart G. 'H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, PEE! Get it? Pee!': Siblings' shared humour in childhood. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 37:336-353. [PMID: 30623983 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Humour is a central feature of social interactions in childhood that has received little attention. In a sample of 86 7-year-old children (M age = 7.82 years, SD = 0.80), we investigated patterns and individual differences in spontaneous humour observed during free play with their older (M age = 9.55 years, SD = 0.88) or their younger sibling (M age = 5.87 years, SD = 0.96). We coded children's instances, categories, and responses to humour. We investigated the nature of children's humour on the dyadic and individual level. Humour was common, and siblings' production of humour was highly interdependent between play partners. Dyadic humour differed according to structural features of the sibling relationship (age, gender composition), and 7-year-old focal children's humour varied according to gender. This study contributes to knowledge regarding the dyadic nature of children's humour and individual patterns of humour beyond the preschool years. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Humour is an integral part of children's close and intimate interactions. Children produce humour from an early age and increasingly produce more complex humour as they develop. Few studies examine children's humour with siblings and beyond the fourth year of life. What does this study add? Children's humour during free play with siblings was common and highly dyadic. Sibling dyads' humour differed according to age and gender composition. Seven-year-old boys produced more humour than girls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Paine
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Nina Howe
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gassiaa Karajian
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dale F Hay
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Ganie DeHart
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Geneseo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
James LA, Fox CL. Longitudinal associations between younger children's humour styles and psychosocial adjustment. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 36:589-605. [PMID: 29604106 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Whilst a multitude of studies have examined links between different styles of humour and aspects of adjustment, longitudinal research is noticeably lacking. Following a study which identified bidirectional associations between humour styles and psychosocial adjustment in older children, the current research aimed to investigate these associations in younger children. In total, 413 children aged 8-11 years completed the humour styles questionnaire for younger children (HSQ-Y) alongside measures of psychosocial adjustment in both the autumn and the summer over the course of a school year. Findings across the school year suggested that children's adjustment may impact significantly on their use of different styles of humour. Further longitudinal research over a longer time period would now be beneficial to further increase our understanding of the associations between humour styles and adjustment throughout development. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Research has identified associations between children's humour styles and psychosocial adjustment. Research with older children has also identified longitudinal associations. What does this study add? This is the first study to identify longitudinal associations between humour styles and adjustment in younger children. This allows for stronger statements to be made about causal relationships.
Collapse
|
10
|
Auerbach S. Are Clowns Good for Everyone? The Influence of Trait Cheerfulness on Emotional Reactions to a Hospital Clown Intervention. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1973. [PMID: 29180976 PMCID: PMC5693907 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trait cheerfulness predicts individual differences in experiences and behavioral responses in various humor experiments and settings. The present study is the first to investigate whether trait cheerfulness also influences the impact of a hospital clown intervention on the emotional state of patients. Forty-two adults received a clown visit in a rehabilitation center and rated their emotional state and trait cheerfulness afterward. Facial expressions of patients during the clown visit were coded with the Facial Action Coding System. Looking at the total sample, the hospital clown intervention elicited more frequent facial expressions of genuine enjoyment (Duchenne smiles) than other smiles (Non-Duchenne smiles), and more Duchenne smiles went along with more perceived funniness, a higher level of global positive feelings and transcendence. This supports the notion that overall, hospital clown interventions are beneficial for patients. However, when considering individual differences in the receptiveness to humor, results confirmed that high trait cheerful patients showed more Duchenne smiles than low trait cheerful patients (with no difference in Non-Duchenne smiles), and reported a higher level of positive emotions than low trait cheerful individuals. In summary, although hospital clown interventions on average successfully raise the patients' level of positive emotions, not all patients in hospitals are equally susceptible to respond to humor with amusement, and thus do not equally benefit from a hospital clown intervention. Implications for research and practitioners are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Auerbach
- Personality and Assessment, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|