An analysis of the relationships between maladaptive humor styles, depression, and personal-level individualism

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between maladaptive humor styles (namely the self-defeating and the aggressive humor style), personal-level individualism, and depression to develop a model of potential risk factors for depression. A cross-sectional design was applied, in which 650 adults between the ages of 18 and 65, with diverse cultural backgrounds and educational level, completed online questionnaires. The associations between these constructs were investigated using Pearson correlations (2-tailed), a hierarchical multiple regression, mediation, and moderation analyses. The findings indicated a significant positive correlation between the self-defeating humor style and depression as well as between the aggressive humor style and personal-level individualism. However, no other associations were found among the variables of interest. Therefore, even though this study could serve as a stepping-stone for future research or improve the effectiveness of positive psychology clinical interventions on depression, it cannot securely provide cross-cultural support for the theoretical structure of the hypothesized model.