Humor styles and emotional competence among young adults

Abstract

Humor’s relationship to emotions has been addressed by a numerous study within the field of psychology. It is an essential component of social interaction as well as the very essence of an individual’s personality. The purpose of this study is to uncover the association between humor styles and emotional competence and measure the strength of that relationship. Also, to understand the gender differences between them. This research is an attempt toward better understanding of how humor styles impact the crucial social skills to acknowledge, understand, and respond productively to emotions in individuals. The four humor styles as given by Martin, Affiliative, Self-enhancing, Aggressive and Self-deprecating were correlated with Emotional competence using the Humor styles questionnaire (HSQ) and the Emotional competence (EC) scale. A sample of 100 Indian young adults was taken for the study. The research concluded a positive correlation of Self-enhancing humor with Emotional competence in male young adults whereas indicated a significant positive correlation of Self-enhancing humor and negative relationship between Aggressive humor style and emotional competence in female young adults. The findings also revealed significant distinction in the use of Affiliative and Aggressive humor style between male and female young adults.