A study examining the relationship between the implicit power motive and humor production ability

Abstract

Long-term differences in motivation to influence others are reflected in the implicit need for power (nPower). Prior research substantiates the belief that individuals high in nPower are more prone to develop and optimize prosocial behavior strategies that enable them to exert influence. While the power motive has been found to predict a variety of behavioral strategies, no study to date has examined the relation with humor ability and its manifestations as a means of exerting influence. The aim of the present study is to explore how the implicit power motive may be related to the development and expression of humor. By integrating two formerly distinct research fields, it was hypothesized that individuals high in nPower differ substantially in humor production ability from individuals relatively low in nPower, and are more likely to express an affiliative humor style. A total of 138 U.S. participants from the general population conducted several tasks and questionnaires. The ‘Picture Story Exercise’ was conducted to assess participants nPower. Humor production ability was measured through the ‘Cartoon Caption Task’. Finally, participants completed the affiliative humor dimension of the ‘Humor Styles Questionnaire’. The results of the present study indicate that power-motivated individuals do not substantially differ in humor production ability, however, they are more likely to use an affiliative humor style. Finally, concrete recommendations for future research are given, that could validate predictive conclusions that cannot be drawn from the present study.