Relational Humor and Marital Satisfaction in Married Individuals

Abstract

This study investigated whether married individuals’ relational humor styles were significant predictors of their marital satisfaction levels. The study was conducted with a total of 228 married participants (139 women and 89 men). The duration of marriage of the participants ranged from 1 to 46 years (M = 9.34, SD = 10.37). The data were obtained by using the Marital Life Scale and Relational Humor Inventory. The data were tested with multiple regression analysis supported by bootstrapping process. According to the regression results, self-positive and self-negative relational humor styles significantly predicted their own marital satisfaction. On the other hand self-instrumental humor did not predict marital satisfaction significantly. Otherwise, marital satisfaction was significantly predicted by partner-positive, partner-negative, and partner-instrumental humor styles. The findings obtained in the study were discussed in accordance with the related literature and suggestions were made for the following studies