Humor in Long-Term Romantic Relationships: The Association of General Humor Styles and Relationship-Specific Functions with Relationship Satisfaction

Abstract

This article explores the associations between general humor styles, relationship-specific humor functions, and relationship satisfaction for 103 couples (N = 206) in long-term romantic relationships. Four Actor-Partner Interdependence Models tested whether five communicative functions of humor (i.e., enjoyment, affection, let go of conflict, coping, apologize) mediated the associations between humor styles (i.e., affiliative, self-enhancing, self-defeating, aggressive) and relationship satisfaction. The enjoyment function of humor consistently mediated the relationship between positive humor styles and satisfaction. Two other functions of humor (i.e., affection, let go) also mediated the relationship between positive styles and satisfaction, but these associations were moderated by participant sex.

Keywords:

• Actor-Partner Interdependence Model
• Humor Function
• Humor Style
• Romantic Relationship Satisfaction
• Structural Equation Modeling

Notes

Note. All scales measured on 7-point Likert-type scales.

11*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note: Principle axis factoring with promax (oblique rotation). 1 = enjoyment; 2 = show affection; 3 = reduce conflict; 4 = coping; 5 = apologize.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeffrey A. Hall

Jeffrey A. Hall (PhD, University of Southern California) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at University of Kansas.