Correlations between Humor Styles and Loneliness

In a previous study, a significant negative correlation between shyness with affiliative humor and a significant positive one with self-defeating humor were reported. Since shyness and loneliness share many of the same characteristics, poor social skills and negative affect, for example, significant negative correlations of loneliness with affiliative and self-enhancing humor and a significant positive one with self-defeating humor were hypothesized. 106 community college students (34 men, 72 women) ranging in age from 17 to 52 years (M=23.5, SD=7.7) were tested. The hypotheses were supported. Interrelationships among humor, shyness, and loneliness should be examined within one study.