Affiliative and Aggressive Humor, Attachment Dimensions, and Interaction Goals

Abstract

This study examined humor production in relation to attachment dimensions and interaction goals. Participants (N = 172) completed measures of attachment dimensions (anxiety, avoidance), humor production (affiliative humor, aggressive humor), and primary and secondary goals. Anxiety was negatively related to affiliative humor, whereas avoidance was positively related to aggressive humor. Affiliative humor was related to effectiveness and being playful in the interaction, as well as the secondary goals of arousal management and clarity. Aggressive humor was not related to any of the goals.

Keywords:

• Affiliative Humor
• Aggressive Humor
• Attachment Theory
• Humor Production
• Interaction Goals

An earlier version of this paper was presented to the Interpersonal Division, National Communication Association convention, Chicago, IL, November 2007.

Notes

∗p < .05. ∗∗p < .01.

Power analyses were conducted using the G∗Power program (Faul & Erdfelder, 1992).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nathan Miczo

Nathan Miczo (PhD, 2004, University of Arizona) is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication, Western Illinois University

Joshua M. Averbeck

Joshua M. Averbeck (MA, 2007, Western Illinois University) is currently a Doctoral Student at The University of Oklahoma

Theresa Mariani

Theresa Mariani (MS, 1991, Western Illinois University) is currently a Master's Student at Western Illinois University.