Does Our Humor Affect Us?: An Examination of a Dyad's Humor Orientation

Abstract

In this article, researchers explain how individuals' similarities in humor orientation influence dyadic cohesion and satisfaction. The researchers in this study investigated the impact of communication appropriateness as a mediating variable in relationships. Relational partners (n = 151 dyads) completed measures of both self and other regarding humor orientation, cohesion, and satisfaction. A couple's humor orientation was positively correlated with both dyadic satisfaction and cohesion. Communication appropriateness was a mediating factor in both the relationship between a couple's humor orientation and dyadic cohesion, and humor orientation and satisfaction. The overall dyadic humor orientation was more important than a couple's humor discrepancy, or either partner's scores.

Keywords:

• Humor
• Interpersonal Communication
• Personal Relationships

Notes

**p < .01.

Researchers eliminated data from 15 dyads because of discrepancies in demographic information provided (e.g., mismatched relationship type and length of relationship), which indicated that participants may have incorrectly filled out the surveys.

The relationship composition percentages do not equal 100% due to rounding norms.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shannon M. Maki

Shannon M. Maki (M.A., Towson University, 2006) is an assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies at Towson University and a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.

Melanie Booth-Butterfield

Melanie Booth-Butterfield (Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia, 1985) is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.

Audra McMullen

Audra McMullen (Ph.D., Ohio University, 2000) is an associate professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies at Towson University.