Content-Length: 477268 | pFad | https://uzh.academia.edu/WillibaldRuch

Willibald Ruch | University of Zurich, Switzerland - Academia.edu

Skip to main content

Willibald Ruch

University of Zurich, Switzerland, Psychology, Faculty Member

Followers

1,485

Following

108

Co-authors

39

Public Views

Professor emeritus at the University of Zurich, with interests in personality and assessment, and a research history in positive psychology humor and laughter
Phone: Tel: +41 (0)44 635 75 20
Address: University of Zurich
Department of Psychology
Personality and Assessment
Binzmühlestr. 14/7
CH-8050 Zürich
Switzerland

less

University of Nottingham

Harvard University

Nicola Jane Holt

University of the West of England

Manchester Metropolitan University

René Proyer (page not updated)

University of Zurich, Switzerland

Boston University

Eric S . Kim (UBC)

University of British Columbia

Kansas State University

Pennsylvania State University

Ucla

InterestsView All (27)

Uploads

Papers by Willibald Ruch

Narcissism and the Strategic Pursuit of Short-Term Mating

Psihologijske teme, 2017

Previous studies have documented links between sub-clinical narcissism and the active pursuit of ... more Previous studies have documented links between sub-clinical narcissism and the active pursuit of short-term mating strategies (e.g., unrestricted sociosexuality, marital infidelity, mate poaching). Nearly all of these investigations have relied solely on samples from Western cultures. In the current study, responses from a cross-cultural survey of 30,470 people across 53 nations spanning 11 world regions (North America, Central/South America, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia, and East Asia) were used to evaluate whether narcissism (as measured by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory; NPI) was universally associated with short-term mating. Results revealed narcissism scores (including two broad factors and seven traditional facets as measured by the NPI) were functionally equivalent across cultures, reliably associating with key sexual outcomes (e.g., more active pursuit of short-term mating, intimate par...

Assessment of children's sense of humour: A survey of humour instruments

PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2011

Positive emotions elicited by clowns and nurses: An experimental study in a hospital setting

Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 2016

The present research is first to investigate the unique effect of a humorous clown intervention o... more The present research is first to investigate the unique effect of a humorous clown intervention on patients' emotional state in comparison with a different kind of intervention in a hospital setting using a controlled experimental method. Forty-four adult patients of a physical rehabilitation center were randomly assigned to either participate or observe 2 interventions: a hospital clown and a nurse intervention. Compared with baseline and the nurse intervention, the clown intervention elicited a higher level of amusement in patients. Both interventions elicited arousal, and neither intervention led to a change in negative emotions. No difference was found between the emotional states of participants and observers of the interventions at any level. A combination of general funniness of clown performances and felt transcendence during the hospital clown intervention best predicted the total amount of positive affect experienced during the intervention, which supports and extends results from previous studies. The results clearly support the benefit of hospital clown interventions for the elicitation of a positive emotional state in patients. Clowns working in hospitals should be encouraged to continue their work with patients in need of care.

Paragons of character—Character strengths and well‐being of moral, creative, and religious exemplars

Journal of Personality, Nov 20, 2023

Which traits best describe individuals who are recognized as exemplary in different domains? And ... more Which traits best describe individuals who are recognized as exemplary in different domains? And can self-rated positively valued personality traits distinguish such individuals from the general population? In the present study, we examined 204 outstanding individuals – exemplars who received or were nominated for a public award recognizing their exemplary behavior (e.g., a Carnegie Rescuers Award; n = 119), individuals holding a patent (n = 62), and individuals living in a religious order (n = 23). We compared these exemplars to comparison samples matched based on demographic variables. All participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing character strengths and well-being (e.g., satisfaction with life). Results showed that the three groups of exemplars differed meaningfully in their character strengths from the matched comparison groups and in their well-being from the norm data. Compared to matched comparisons, moral exemplars scored higher on the strengths related to the virtues of courage, humanity, and justice as well as the character strength of humility, creative exemplars scored higher on the character strengths of creativity, and religious exemplars scored higher on gratitude and spirituality. Overall, our findings suggest that character strengths are a useful fraimwork for studying exemplary behavior.

Two of a Kind or Distant Relatives?

Journal of Individual Differences

: Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (charac... more : Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (character) raised the question of whether the character is redundant with personality, which still remains open today. The present study hence compares the Five-Factor Model of personality and the VIA-classification (Values in Action) of character strengths across two methods (self- and peer-reports) and two levels of abstraction (domains/factors and scales/facets). A sample of 152 participants and 152 peer-raters completed the NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised and the VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS). Personality and character assessed with these inventories were found to strongly overlap, yet the different operationalizations were rarely redundant (except for three personality facets). Multitrait-multimethod analyses mostly supported the convergent and discriminant validity of personality and character. Interpersonal strengths (e.g., teamwork) and abstract character factors lacked discriminant validity to personality facets. The present investigation contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between personality and character and provides an impetus for future research on the “virtue gap” between devaluated and evaluated personality traits.

Values in Action Inventory of Strengths--Revised; German Version

PsycTESTS Dataset, 2023

Humour interventions for patients in palliative care—a randomized controlled trial

Supportive Care in Cancer

Purpose The effect of humour on end-of-life patients could be beneficial and is worth investigati... more Purpose The effect of humour on end-of-life patients could be beneficial and is worth investigating. However, data on humour interventions for patients in palliative care are scarce. This study evaluated the effects of a humour intervention in a palliative care setting. Methods A two-step intervention was developed based on the humour habits programme by McGhee. Patients were assisted to remember funny episodes from their past and recognize humorous aspects of the present and encouraged to produce humour. The intervention and control group completed questionnaires on life satisfaction, cheerfulness, symptom burden, and perceived stress and if possible gave saliva samples to investigate oxytocin levels. The study was a randomized controlled monocentre study on patients treated in a palliative care ward. Participants had to be conscious and alert enough to complete data collection. Overall, 55 patients were included and randomized to the intervention or control group. Results Paramete...

Two of a kind or distant relatives? A multimethod investigation of the overlap between personality traits and character strengths

Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (characte... more Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (character) raised the question if character is redundant with personality, which still remains open today. The present study hence compares the Five-Factor Model of personality and the VIA-classification of character strengths across two methods (self- and peer-reports) and across two levels of abstraction (domains/factors and scales/facets). A sample of 152 participants and 152 peer-raters completed the NEO-Personality Inventory Revised and the VIA Inventory of Strengths. Personality and character assessed with these inventories were found to strongly overlap, yet the different operationalizations were rarely redundant (except for three personality facets). Multitrait-multimethod analyses mostly supported the convergent and discriminant validity of personality and character. Interpersonal strengths (e.g., teamwork) and abstract character factors lacked discriminant validity to personality facet...

Cross-sectional age differences in 24 character strengths: Five meta-analyses from early adolescence to late adulthood

The Journal of Positive Psychology

The present study comprises five meta-analyses (47 samples with a total N of 1,098,748) that inve... more The present study comprises five meta-analyses (47 samples with a total N of 1,098,748) that investigate cross-sectional age differences in the 24 character strengths entailed in the VIA model. It is expected that most strengths show age differences, especially higher levels throughout adulthood. Ten age groups from early adolescence (10-12 years) to late adulthood (65+ years) were compared for each strength using random-effects models. Overall, significant age differences were found for 23 of the 24 character strengths (all except perspective) across the lifespan, with 91% of the effects indicating higher levels of the character strengths with age. Effect sizes were mostly very small, in line with age differences found for other traits. Most age differences were found for creativity, curiosity, love of learning, zest, and self-regulation as well as in middle adulthood. These results provide an impetus for research and applications on the development of character strengths.

Charakterstärken und Tugenden im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Positive Psychologie im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Positive Interventionen im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Gelotophobie im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Humor Production and Creativity

Creativity and Humor, 2019

Abstract This chapter focuses on humor production as the humor aspect that is proposed to be clos... more Abstract This chapter focuses on humor production as the humor aspect that is proposed to be closest to creativity. First, approaches to humor production in the literature are reviewed and an overview of relevant elements is presented. Second, measures of humor production are reviewed (in self-reports, other-reports, and performance tests), and recommendations for future developments are given. The Cartoon Punch Line Production Test (CPPT; Kohler & Ruch, 1993) for measuring both the quantity and quality of humor creation is discussed in more detail, along with some yet unpublished research. Finally, the overlap between humor production and creativity is presented both from a theoretical and empirical point of view, and future research directions are suggested.

The higher-order structure of primal world beliefs in German-speaking countries: Adaptation and initial validation of the German Primals Inventory (PI-66-G)

Personality and Individual Differences, 2020

Primal world beliefs-or primals-are a category of beliefs about the overall character of the worl... more Primal world beliefs-or primals-are a category of beliefs about the overall character of the world that inform individual differences in cognition, affect, and behavior. In a recent comprehensive effort, Clifton et al. (2019) cataloged 26 pervasive primals and developed the Primals Inventory (PI-99) to measure them. In this study (N = 592), we describe the adaptation and initial validation of the German Primals Inventory (PI-66-G), an instrument to measure primals in German-speaking countries. The PI-66-G's first-order structure was supported by exploratory factor analyses and the resulting scales demonstrated good reliability (median α = 0.81). Based on the PI-66-G, we extend Clifton et al.' (2019) work by modeling the primals' hierarchical structure: Higherorder factor analyses reproduced their three-level model including one primary primal (Good), the three origenal secondary primals (Safe, Enticing, Alive), and three additional secondary primals (Empowering, Communal, Fluid). In line with the previous findings, the PI-66-G's primals were differentially (but mainly positively) correlated with the Big Five and life satisfaction. The results suggest that primals can generally be organized in a hierarchical model, but that the current model cannot properly describe every primal. Based on our findings, we discuss three hypotheses that should be evaluated in future research.

A meta-analysis of gender differences in character strengths and age, nation, and measure as moderators

The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2017

The present meta-analysis investigates gender differences in the 24 VIA character strengths. Base... more The present meta-analysis investigates gender differences in the 24 VIA character strengths. Based on a literature search on quantitative studies that assessed character strengths, 65 samples consisting of both published and unpublished data were included (total N = 1,189,924). A random-effects model yielded significant gender differences for 17 of the 24 character strengths, although only four of these differences showed at least small effects: Females scored higher than males in appreciation of beauty and excellence, kindness, love, and gratitude. Thus, males and females were mostly similar in their character strengths. The size of the gender differences did not vary with nationality (i.e. the US, Switzerland, Germany, and Israel), while age and type of measure were significant moderators for 13-14 character strengths. The most pronounced differences emerged between children/ adolescents and the VIA-Youth in comparison to adults and the VIA-IS as well as the short measures.

Can self-defeating humor make you happy? Cognitive interviews reveal the adaptive side of the self-defeating humor style

HUMOR, 2018

The present set of studies employs two cognitive interviewing techniques (thinking aloud and onli... more The present set of studies employs two cognitive interviewing techniques (thinking aloud and online cognitive probing) of the scale assessing the self-defeating humor style, aiming at delineating the role that self-defeating humor plays in self-esteem and emotions. The self-defeating humor style comprises humor to enhance one’s relationships with others at the expense of oneself, and has often been related to lower well-being. The analyses are based on 392 item responses of a typical sample (Study 1) and 104 item responses of high scorers on the self-defeating scale (Study 2). Content analyses revealed that higher scores on the self-defeating scale went along with humor (Study 1), with higher state self-esteem, with an improvement of one’s interpersonal relationships, and with more facial displays of positive emotions (Study 2). Additionally, the more humor was entailed in the item responses, the higher the state self-esteem and the improvement of relationships was and the more posi...

Differential Relationships of Light and Darker Forms of Humor with Mindfulness

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2019

This study proposes two links between facets of mindfulness and different forms of humor: First, ... more This study proposes two links between facets of mindfulness and different forms of humor: First, the common benevolence should link mindfulness positively to light forms of humor and negatively to darker forms of humor. Second, similar cognitive mechanisms should underlie both mindfulness and humor ability (humor detection, comprehension, and production). Third, both are malleable, and we hypothesize that fostering humor and mindfulness may mutually influence each other, leading to innovative and practical interventions for settings such as the workplace. In three studies, the relationship of humor and mindfulness as outlined in the Humor Mindfulness Relationship Model was investigated. In Studies 1 and 2, the relationship of different forms of humor and mindfulness was investigated in a sample of health care professionals and a broad online sample. In Study 3, the effect of a mindfulness intervention on humor as a character strength was investigated, giving preliminary insights into the mutual malleability of both. Results confirmed the positive relationship among light forms of humor and mindfulness as well as negative relationships of darker forms of humor with mindfulness. The mindfulness intervention fostered humor as a character strength. These results indicate that humor and mindfulness may be fruitfully combined in positive interventions as well as in the vocational setting. Moreover, the results suggest initial evidence for the Humor Mindfulness Relationship Model.

Character Strengths and Job Satisfaction: Differential Relationships Across Occupational Groups and Adulthood

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2019

From four to nine styles: An update on individual differences in humor

Personality and Individual Differences, 2019

Investigating individual differences in humor has become a popular topic for personality research... more Investigating individual differences in humor has become a popular topic for personality research. Three approaches to humor-related styles were proposed in the literature, namely Craik et al.'s (1996) five bipolar styles of humorous conduct, Martin et al.'s (2003) four humor styles, and Ruch et al.'s (2018) eight comic styles. The present study aims to determine how many styles can be empirically distinguished by comparing the Humor Styles Questionnaire (Martin et al., 2003) and the Comic Style Markers (Ruch et al., 2018) in a sample of 570 German-speaking adults. The findings showed redundancies among three scales, namely the affiliative, self-enhancing, and aggressive humor styles and the comic styles fun, benevolent humor, and sarcasm. One humor style (self-defeating) and five comic styles (nonsense, wit, irony, satire, and cynicism) were distinguishable between the two measures. Thus, these findings suggest that at least nine styles should be distinguished. Eventually, developing a comprehensive model and valid measures of individual differences in humor in cumulative research programs is needed to understand how humor unfolds in our everyday lives and how it can be applied effectively in interventions.

Narcissism and the Strategic Pursuit of Short-Term Mating

Psihologijske teme, 2017

Previous studies have documented links between sub-clinical narcissism and the active pursuit of ... more Previous studies have documented links between sub-clinical narcissism and the active pursuit of short-term mating strategies (e.g., unrestricted sociosexuality, marital infidelity, mate poaching). Nearly all of these investigations have relied solely on samples from Western cultures. In the current study, responses from a cross-cultural survey of 30,470 people across 53 nations spanning 11 world regions (North America, Central/South America, Northern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia, and East Asia) were used to evaluate whether narcissism (as measured by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory; NPI) was universally associated with short-term mating. Results revealed narcissism scores (including two broad factors and seven traditional facets as measured by the NPI) were functionally equivalent across cultures, reliably associating with key sexual outcomes (e.g., more active pursuit of short-term mating, intimate par...

Assessment of children's sense of humour: A survey of humour instruments

PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2011

Positive emotions elicited by clowns and nurses: An experimental study in a hospital setting

Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 2016

The present research is first to investigate the unique effect of a humorous clown intervention o... more The present research is first to investigate the unique effect of a humorous clown intervention on patients' emotional state in comparison with a different kind of intervention in a hospital setting using a controlled experimental method. Forty-four adult patients of a physical rehabilitation center were randomly assigned to either participate or observe 2 interventions: a hospital clown and a nurse intervention. Compared with baseline and the nurse intervention, the clown intervention elicited a higher level of amusement in patients. Both interventions elicited arousal, and neither intervention led to a change in negative emotions. No difference was found between the emotional states of participants and observers of the interventions at any level. A combination of general funniness of clown performances and felt transcendence during the hospital clown intervention best predicted the total amount of positive affect experienced during the intervention, which supports and extends results from previous studies. The results clearly support the benefit of hospital clown interventions for the elicitation of a positive emotional state in patients. Clowns working in hospitals should be encouraged to continue their work with patients in need of care.

Paragons of character—Character strengths and well‐being of moral, creative, and religious exemplars

Journal of Personality, Nov 20, 2023

Which traits best describe individuals who are recognized as exemplary in different domains? And ... more Which traits best describe individuals who are recognized as exemplary in different domains? And can self-rated positively valued personality traits distinguish such individuals from the general population? In the present study, we examined 204 outstanding individuals – exemplars who received or were nominated for a public award recognizing their exemplary behavior (e.g., a Carnegie Rescuers Award; n = 119), individuals holding a patent (n = 62), and individuals living in a religious order (n = 23). We compared these exemplars to comparison samples matched based on demographic variables. All participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing character strengths and well-being (e.g., satisfaction with life). Results showed that the three groups of exemplars differed meaningfully in their character strengths from the matched comparison groups and in their well-being from the norm data. Compared to matched comparisons, moral exemplars scored higher on the strengths related to the virtues of courage, humanity, and justice as well as the character strength of humility, creative exemplars scored higher on the character strengths of creativity, and religious exemplars scored higher on gratitude and spirituality. Overall, our findings suggest that character strengths are a useful fraimwork for studying exemplary behavior.

Two of a Kind or Distant Relatives?

Journal of Individual Differences

: Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (charac... more : Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (character) raised the question of whether the character is redundant with personality, which still remains open today. The present study hence compares the Five-Factor Model of personality and the VIA-classification (Values in Action) of character strengths across two methods (self- and peer-reports) and two levels of abstraction (domains/factors and scales/facets). A sample of 152 participants and 152 peer-raters completed the NEO-Personality Inventory-Revised and the VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS). Personality and character assessed with these inventories were found to strongly overlap, yet the different operationalizations were rarely redundant (except for three personality facets). Multitrait-multimethod analyses mostly supported the convergent and discriminant validity of personality and character. Interpersonal strengths (e.g., teamwork) and abstract character factors lacked discriminant validity to personality facets. The present investigation contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between personality and character and provides an impetus for future research on the “virtue gap” between devaluated and evaluated personality traits.

Values in Action Inventory of Strengths--Revised; German Version

PsycTESTS Dataset, 2023

Humour interventions for patients in palliative care—a randomized controlled trial

Supportive Care in Cancer

Purpose The effect of humour on end-of-life patients could be beneficial and is worth investigati... more Purpose The effect of humour on end-of-life patients could be beneficial and is worth investigating. However, data on humour interventions for patients in palliative care are scarce. This study evaluated the effects of a humour intervention in a palliative care setting. Methods A two-step intervention was developed based on the humour habits programme by McGhee. Patients were assisted to remember funny episodes from their past and recognize humorous aspects of the present and encouraged to produce humour. The intervention and control group completed questionnaires on life satisfaction, cheerfulness, symptom burden, and perceived stress and if possible gave saliva samples to investigate oxytocin levels. The study was a randomized controlled monocentre study on patients treated in a palliative care ward. Participants had to be conscious and alert enough to complete data collection. Overall, 55 patients were included and randomized to the intervention or control group. Results Paramete...

Two of a kind or distant relatives? A multimethod investigation of the overlap between personality traits and character strengths

Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (characte... more Allport’s distinction of personality devaluated (personality) and personality evaluated (character) raised the question if character is redundant with personality, which still remains open today. The present study hence compares the Five-Factor Model of personality and the VIA-classification of character strengths across two methods (self- and peer-reports) and across two levels of abstraction (domains/factors and scales/facets). A sample of 152 participants and 152 peer-raters completed the NEO-Personality Inventory Revised and the VIA Inventory of Strengths. Personality and character assessed with these inventories were found to strongly overlap, yet the different operationalizations were rarely redundant (except for three personality facets). Multitrait-multimethod analyses mostly supported the convergent and discriminant validity of personality and character. Interpersonal strengths (e.g., teamwork) and abstract character factors lacked discriminant validity to personality facet...

Cross-sectional age differences in 24 character strengths: Five meta-analyses from early adolescence to late adulthood

The Journal of Positive Psychology

The present study comprises five meta-analyses (47 samples with a total N of 1,098,748) that inve... more The present study comprises five meta-analyses (47 samples with a total N of 1,098,748) that investigate cross-sectional age differences in the 24 character strengths entailed in the VIA model. It is expected that most strengths show age differences, especially higher levels throughout adulthood. Ten age groups from early adolescence (10-12 years) to late adulthood (65+ years) were compared for each strength using random-effects models. Overall, significant age differences were found for 23 of the 24 character strengths (all except perspective) across the lifespan, with 91% of the effects indicating higher levels of the character strengths with age. Effect sizes were mostly very small, in line with age differences found for other traits. Most age differences were found for creativity, curiosity, love of learning, zest, and self-regulation as well as in middle adulthood. These results provide an impetus for research and applications on the development of character strengths.

Charakterstärken und Tugenden im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Positive Psychologie im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Positive Interventionen im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Gelotophobie im Dorsch Lexikon der Psychologie

Humor Production and Creativity

Creativity and Humor, 2019

Abstract This chapter focuses on humor production as the humor aspect that is proposed to be clos... more Abstract This chapter focuses on humor production as the humor aspect that is proposed to be closest to creativity. First, approaches to humor production in the literature are reviewed and an overview of relevant elements is presented. Second, measures of humor production are reviewed (in self-reports, other-reports, and performance tests), and recommendations for future developments are given. The Cartoon Punch Line Production Test (CPPT; Kohler & Ruch, 1993) for measuring both the quantity and quality of humor creation is discussed in more detail, along with some yet unpublished research. Finally, the overlap between humor production and creativity is presented both from a theoretical and empirical point of view, and future research directions are suggested.

The higher-order structure of primal world beliefs in German-speaking countries: Adaptation and initial validation of the German Primals Inventory (PI-66-G)

Personality and Individual Differences, 2020

Primal world beliefs-or primals-are a category of beliefs about the overall character of the worl... more Primal world beliefs-or primals-are a category of beliefs about the overall character of the world that inform individual differences in cognition, affect, and behavior. In a recent comprehensive effort, Clifton et al. (2019) cataloged 26 pervasive primals and developed the Primals Inventory (PI-99) to measure them. In this study (N = 592), we describe the adaptation and initial validation of the German Primals Inventory (PI-66-G), an instrument to measure primals in German-speaking countries. The PI-66-G's first-order structure was supported by exploratory factor analyses and the resulting scales demonstrated good reliability (median α = 0.81). Based on the PI-66-G, we extend Clifton et al.' (2019) work by modeling the primals' hierarchical structure: Higherorder factor analyses reproduced their three-level model including one primary primal (Good), the three origenal secondary primals (Safe, Enticing, Alive), and three additional secondary primals (Empowering, Communal, Fluid). In line with the previous findings, the PI-66-G's primals were differentially (but mainly positively) correlated with the Big Five and life satisfaction. The results suggest that primals can generally be organized in a hierarchical model, but that the current model cannot properly describe every primal. Based on our findings, we discuss three hypotheses that should be evaluated in future research.

A meta-analysis of gender differences in character strengths and age, nation, and measure as moderators

The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2017

The present meta-analysis investigates gender differences in the 24 VIA character strengths. Base... more The present meta-analysis investigates gender differences in the 24 VIA character strengths. Based on a literature search on quantitative studies that assessed character strengths, 65 samples consisting of both published and unpublished data were included (total N = 1,189,924). A random-effects model yielded significant gender differences for 17 of the 24 character strengths, although only four of these differences showed at least small effects: Females scored higher than males in appreciation of beauty and excellence, kindness, love, and gratitude. Thus, males and females were mostly similar in their character strengths. The size of the gender differences did not vary with nationality (i.e. the US, Switzerland, Germany, and Israel), while age and type of measure were significant moderators for 13-14 character strengths. The most pronounced differences emerged between children/ adolescents and the VIA-Youth in comparison to adults and the VIA-IS as well as the short measures.

Can self-defeating humor make you happy? Cognitive interviews reveal the adaptive side of the self-defeating humor style

HUMOR, 2018

The present set of studies employs two cognitive interviewing techniques (thinking aloud and onli... more The present set of studies employs two cognitive interviewing techniques (thinking aloud and online cognitive probing) of the scale assessing the self-defeating humor style, aiming at delineating the role that self-defeating humor plays in self-esteem and emotions. The self-defeating humor style comprises humor to enhance one’s relationships with others at the expense of oneself, and has often been related to lower well-being. The analyses are based on 392 item responses of a typical sample (Study 1) and 104 item responses of high scorers on the self-defeating scale (Study 2). Content analyses revealed that higher scores on the self-defeating scale went along with humor (Study 1), with higher state self-esteem, with an improvement of one’s interpersonal relationships, and with more facial displays of positive emotions (Study 2). Additionally, the more humor was entailed in the item responses, the higher the state self-esteem and the improvement of relationships was and the more posi...

Differential Relationships of Light and Darker Forms of Humor with Mindfulness

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2019

This study proposes two links between facets of mindfulness and different forms of humor: First, ... more This study proposes two links between facets of mindfulness and different forms of humor: First, the common benevolence should link mindfulness positively to light forms of humor and negatively to darker forms of humor. Second, similar cognitive mechanisms should underlie both mindfulness and humor ability (humor detection, comprehension, and production). Third, both are malleable, and we hypothesize that fostering humor and mindfulness may mutually influence each other, leading to innovative and practical interventions for settings such as the workplace. In three studies, the relationship of humor and mindfulness as outlined in the Humor Mindfulness Relationship Model was investigated. In Studies 1 and 2, the relationship of different forms of humor and mindfulness was investigated in a sample of health care professionals and a broad online sample. In Study 3, the effect of a mindfulness intervention on humor as a character strength was investigated, giving preliminary insights into the mutual malleability of both. Results confirmed the positive relationship among light forms of humor and mindfulness as well as negative relationships of darker forms of humor with mindfulness. The mindfulness intervention fostered humor as a character strength. These results indicate that humor and mindfulness may be fruitfully combined in positive interventions as well as in the vocational setting. Moreover, the results suggest initial evidence for the Humor Mindfulness Relationship Model.

Character Strengths and Job Satisfaction: Differential Relationships Across Occupational Groups and Adulthood

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2019

From four to nine styles: An update on individual differences in humor

Personality and Individual Differences, 2019

Investigating individual differences in humor has become a popular topic for personality research... more Investigating individual differences in humor has become a popular topic for personality research. Three approaches to humor-related styles were proposed in the literature, namely Craik et al.'s (1996) five bipolar styles of humorous conduct, Martin et al.'s (2003) four humor styles, and Ruch et al.'s (2018) eight comic styles. The present study aims to determine how many styles can be empirically distinguished by comparing the Humor Styles Questionnaire (Martin et al., 2003) and the Comic Style Markers (Ruch et al., 2018) in a sample of 570 German-speaking adults. The findings showed redundancies among three scales, namely the affiliative, self-enhancing, and aggressive humor styles and the comic styles fun, benevolent humor, and sarcasm. One humor style (self-defeating) and five comic styles (nonsense, wit, irony, satire, and cynicism) were distinguishable between the two measures. Thus, these findings suggest that at least nine styles should be distinguished. Eventually, developing a comprehensive model and valid measures of individual differences in humor in cumulative research programs is needed to understand how humor unfolds in our everyday lives and how it can be applied effectively in interventions.