Character Strengths in Positive Psychology: Humour

Welcome to our series looking at the 24 VIA Character strengths in Positive Psychology. In this article, I am going to be looking at what happens to be my most highly rated strength, Humour. If you haven’t done so before, you can find out more about the 24 Character strengths and take the free survey to find out more about your own strengths at the VIA website, VIACharacter.org. Enjoy!

Why is Humour a Character Strength and how can it be developed?

Humour is a valuable character strength that can enhance personal relationships, reduce stress, and contribute to overall well-being. It involves the ability to see the funny or absurd aspects of life and to use this perspective to lighten the mood or create a sense of shared laughter. In positive psychology research, Humour can be considered a character strength because it is linked to positive psychological outcomes, such as increased resilience, improved social relationships, and better mental health. Some of the reasons why humour is considered a strength are:

1. Humour can reduce stress and anxiety

Humour has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in both the short and long term. It can help people cope with difficult situations by providing a momentary distraction or relief from negative emotions. Humour can also provide a sense of perspective, helping people to see a situation in a new light and find creative solutions to problems.

Sources:

Martin, R. A. (2001). Humor, laughter, and physical health: Methodological issues and research findings. Psychological Bulletin, 127(4), 504–519. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.127.4.504

Ziv, A., & Gadish, O. (2018). Humor and stress: A review. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 41(3), 363–377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-018-9918-2

Berk, R. A., & Nanda, J. P. (2006). A randomized trial of humor effects on test anxiety and test performance. Humor: International Journal of Humor Research, 19(4), 425–454. https://doi.org/10.1515/humr.2006.19.4.425

2. Humour can improve social relationships

People who are skilled in using humour tend to have better social relationships. Humour can help people connect with others, break the ice, and create a sense of shared laughter. It can also help to diffuse tense situations and promote positive communication.

Sources:

Cann, A., & Collette, C. (2014). Sense of humor, stable affect, and emotional intelligence as predictors of social competence. Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 148(1), 71-85. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2012.748257

Kuiper, N. A., Martin, R. A., & Olinger, L. J. (1993). Coping with everyday stress: The effects of humor and rumination. Journal of Personality, 61(3), 483-501. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1993.tb00743.x

3. Humour can enhance creativity

Humour requires people to think in unconventional ways and to connect seemingly unrelated ideas. This can help to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. Humour can also promote a playful mindset, which can be useful in generating new ideas and exploring new possibilities.

Sources:

Maraev, V., Breitholtz, E., Howes, C., Larsson, S., & Cooper, R. (2021). Something old, something new, something borrowed, something taboo: Interaction and creativity in humour. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 654615.

Witter, R. A., & Stock, W. A. (1992). Humor and creativity. In M. A. Runco & R. S. Albert (Eds.), Theories of creativity (pp. 233-246). Sage Publications

4. Humour can improve mental health

Humour has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, such as reduced depression and anxiety, increased life satisfaction, and improved self-esteem. This may be because humour can provide a positive outlook on life and help people to focus on the positive aspects of their experiences.

Sources:

Ruch, W., & Heintz, S. (2013). Humor and mental health. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd ed., pp. 541-551). Oxford University Press.

Cann, A., Collette, C., & Gans, J. S. (2010). The effect of humor on elder mental health: A systematic review. Geriatric Nursing, 31(5), 367-373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2010.05.003

How to Develop Humour as a Character Strength

Although some people may be naturally more humorous than others, humour can be developed and cultivated as a character strength.  Psychologist Paul McGee, in his excellent book “Humor as survival training for a stressed out world“, identifies the following 7 habits:

1. Surround yourself with Humor
2. Cultivate a Playful attitude
3. Laugh more often and more heartily
4. Create your own verbal humor
5. Look for Humor in everyday life
6. Take yourself lightly, laugh at yourself
7. Find Humor in the midst of stress

Paul’s book is well worth checking out if you want to get into the real nuts and bolts of developing your Humour Character Strength.  Here are some of our suggestions:

1. Practice finding the funny side of things

One way to develop your sense of humour is to practice finding the funny side of things. This can involve looking for the absurd or unexpected in everyday situations, or finding humour in your own mistakes and foibles. It can also involve cultivating a sense of playfulness and not taking yourself too seriously.

2. Expose yourself to humour

Exposing yourself to humour can help to develop your own sense of humour. This can involve watching comedies, reading humorous books or articles, or listening to humorous podcasts. It can also involve seeking out people who are naturally funny and observing how they use humour in their interactions.

3. Practice using humour in social situations

Using humour in social situations can be a great way to develop this character strength. This can involve telling jokes, making witty observations, or using self-deprecating humour to make others feel more comfortable. It is important to be aware of the audience and to avoid humour that is hurtful or offensive.

4. Practice improv

Improvisational comedy, or improv, is a form of comedy that involves making up jokes and sketches on the spot. It can be a great way to develop your sense of humour, as it requires quick thinking and creativity. Improv classes are available in many cities and can be a fun way to develop your sense of humour and meet new people.

5. Don’t take yourself too seriously

A key aspect of humour is not taking yourself too seriously. People who are able to laugh at themselves and their own mistakes tend to be more humorous and easygoing. This can involve reframing the way you think about yourself and your experiences, and adopting a more light-hearted perspective on life.

6. Use humour to cope with stress

Using humour to cope with stress can be a powerful tool for developing this character strength. This can involve finding the humour in stressful situations, or using humour to help diffuse tension or conflict. It is important to be aware of the context and to avoid using humour in situations where it may be inappropriate or hurtful.

7. Cultivate positive emotions

Cultivating positive emotions, such as joy and happiness, can help to develop your sense of humour. When you are feeling positive and relaxed, you may be more likely to find the humour in situations and to use humour to connect with others. This can involve engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies and interests.

8. Practice active listening

Active listening involves paying attention to what others are saying and responding in a thoughtful and engaged way. This can be an important aspect of using humour in social situations, as it allows you to respond to others in a way that is both witty and empathetic. Active listening can also help to build stronger relationships and promote positive communication.

9. Learn from others

Observing how others use humour can be a valuable way to develop your own sense of humour. This can involve watching comedians, reading humorous books or articles, or observing how people use humour in everyday conversations. By learning from others, you can gain new insights and techniques for using humour to connect with others and enhance your own well-being.

10. Practice, practice, practice

Finally, like any other skill, developing a sense of humour takes practice. This may involve trying out new jokes or one-liners, experimenting with different forms of humour, or simply being willing to take risks and try new things. By practicing regularly, you can develop your own unique sense of humour and cultivate this valuable character strength.

Conclusion

Humour is a valuable character strength that can enhance personal relationships, reduce stress, and contribute to overall well-being. By practicing finding the funny side of things, exposing yourself to humour, using humour in social situations, and cultivating positive emotions, you can develop and cultivate your sense of humour. Additionally, practicing active listening, learning from others, and engaging in improv or other forms of comedy can help to enhance this important character strength. With practice and persistence, anyone can develop a more humorous perspective on life and reap the many benefits that come with it.