A model of humor styles based on subjective well-being

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to explain the role of the styles of humor inside a model on subjective well-being. Participants in the present study were 454 university students: 154 males and 300 females who were attended in 2004-2005 academic year at Gazi University, Gazi Education Faculty. In this study, to gather data; Big Five Personality Inventory, Humor Styles Questionnaire, Satisfaction With Life Scale, and Generalized Self- Efficacy Scale were used. In order to analyze data, SPSS 13.0 and EQS 6.1 packet program were utilized. In this study, first of all a model which relation to effects of styles of humor on subjective well-being was suggested, after that, the most suitable model was favored among alternative models. Although the ultimate model, which was identified, had highly fit co-efficient, styles of humor a little have explanatory effect on subjective well-being. In other words, only self-enhancing humor effect on subjective well-being indirectly via mediator role of self-efficacy. Nevertheless, personality traits, such as extroversion and neurotism, and self-efficacy had the most effective variables on subjective well-being. Extravertion and neurotism, which are personality traits, had both direct and indirect effect via self-enhancing and self- efficacy. However, self-efficacy affected directly and moderately. On the other hand, classroom level and gender had less effective variables which effect on subjective well-being.