The light and dark side of self-directed humor: The development and initial validation of the Dual Self-Directed Humor Scale (DSDHS). (15th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsukawaki, Ryota; Imura, Tomoya
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 157(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04-15
• Subjects: Self-directed humor -- Self-defeating humor -- Humor styles questionnaire -- Sense of humor -- Well-being; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.109835
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Highlights: The Dual Self-Directed Humor Scale (DSDHS) was developed. The DSDHS assesses self-directed humor (SDH) on two dimensions. Deleterious SDH was positively correlated with the psychosocial well-being index. Benign SDH was negatively correlated with the psychosocial well-being index. Promising evidence on the validity and reliability of the DSDHS is presented. Abstract: This article discusses the development and initial validation of the Dual Self-Directed Humor Scale (DSDHS), the first instrument to evaluate individual differences in the two dimensions of self-directed humor (SDH). The DSDHS assumes two distinct dimensions: Deleterious SDH and Benign SDH. While the former is potentially harmful to well-being, the latter is potentially beneficial. By employing 400 participants in Study 1, the validity of the two-factor model of the DSDHS was demonstrated. In Study 2, which included 446 participants, evidence for concurrent validity was shown by correlating the DSDHS with other humor measures. The construct validity was also evaluated by correlating the DSDHS with a broad range of psychosocial well-being indices. While Deleterious SDH was negatively correlated with adaptive indices (self-esteem, happiness, perceived general health, and social support) and positively correlated with maladaptive indices (trait anxiety, depression, aggression, and loneliness), the correlation pattern of Benign SDH was the opposite, thereby providing evidence for construct validity. Study 3 included 136 participants and showed a positive correlation between self- and peer-rated scores for Deleterious SDH and Benign SDH, providing evidence for the DSDHS's convergent validity. In essence, these results provide strong initial evidence for the reliability and validity of the DSDHS.