Positive and Negative Styles of Humor in Communication: Evidence for the Importance of Considering Both Styles

Abstract

The potential usefulness of assessing both positive and negative humor styles in communication was considered by comparing 2 instruments designed to assess stable individual differences in uses of humor. One instrument assesses humor style as a single dimension, and the other distinguishes between and separately assesses the positive and negative humor styles assumed to be theoretically important. The results indicate that the multidimensional measure does capture the variety of uses of humor that have been empirically and theoretically described, and that the additional differences identified have important implications for how people's uses of humor are perceived and how humor styles may affect social relationships.

Keywords:

• Humor and Relationship Satisfaction
• Humor Orientation
• Humor Uses
• Sense of Humor

Notes

Note. Reliabilities are Cronbach's alphas. Humor Orientation (HO) Scale scores, for self (HO–S) and for partner (HO–P), are rated on a 5-point scale (1–5), with higher numbers indicating greater humor use. The Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) scores, for self (HSQ–S) and for partner (HSQ–P), are on a 7-point scale, with higher numbers indicating greater use. The four HSQ styles are affiliative (Aff), aggressive (Agg), self-enhancing (SE), and self-defeating (SD). Relationship satisfaction (using the Relationship Assessment Scale [RAS]) is measured on scale ranging from 7 to 35, with higher numbers indicating greater satisfaction. Partner sense of humor (SOH) is rated on a 9-point scale, with higher scores indicating a better sense of humor.

∗p < .01.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Arnie Cann

Arnie Cann (PhD, Indiana University, 1975) is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina–Charlotte.

Christine L. Zapata

Christine L. Zapata (MA, University of North Carolina–Charlotte, 2009) works with Daymark Recovery Services in North Carolina.

Heather B. Davis

Heather B. Davis (BA, University of North Carolina–Charlotte, 2006) is currently attending graduate school at Chestnut Hill College.