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Essentializing Humor and Implications for Pursuing Happiness

Author

Listed:
  • Yi Cao

    (Peking University)

  • Yuanze Liu

    (Peking University)

  • Yubo Hou

    (Peking University)

  • Li-Jun Ji

    (Queen’s University)

Abstract

To what extent an individual holds an essentialist belief about a sense of humor may influence their use of humor and subsequently subjective well-being. We conducted three studies with Chinese adults to examine the effect of such Belief in Essentialism about Sense of Humor (BESH) on people’s intention to use humor and subjective happiness. Study 1 (n = 333) manipulated BESH and found that high BESH reduced individuals’ likelihood of using humor, especially in negative social contexts. Study 2 (n = 240) showed that the high BESH predicted lower subjective happiness through a low intention to use humor in negative contexts. Study 3 (n = 100) used an online intervention paradigm to manipulate BESH and found that intervention in BESH enhanced the subjective happiness of participants who were coping with COVID-19. The research highlights the importance of essentialist beliefs about humor and suggests ways of improving happiness by reducing such beliefs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi Cao & Yuanze Liu & Yubo Hou & Li-Jun Ji, 2024. "Essentializing Humor and Implications for Pursuing Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:25:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00717-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00717-y
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