# The Relationship Between Humor and Subjective Well-Being: The Mechanism of the Connotation of Humor

## TL;DR

This study shows how humor and related traits like perspective-taking and emotional intelligence boost people's happiness and well-being.

## Contribution

The study identifies perspective-taking and emotional intelligence as chain mediators between humor and subjective well-being.

## Key findings

- Sense of humor and its four dimensions positively affect subjective well-being.
- Perspective-taking and emotional intelligence mediate the relationship between humor and well-being.
- Humor appreciation does not directly influence subjective well-being.

## Abstract

Humor has emerged as a vital component of human life, significantly influencing individuals’ well-being. This study aims to explore the effect of sense of humor on individuals’ subjective well-being and the mediating roles of perspective-taking and emotional intelligence. A total of 1007 Chinese participants (Mage = 23.79, SD = 7.95) were recruited. The results showed that sense of humor, as well as the four dimensions of humor, positively affects individuals’ subjective well-being. Perspective-taking and emotional intelligence play roles as chain mediators between humor and subjective well-being. Moreover, the direct effects of sense of humor, attitude towards humor, humor production, and coping humor on subjective well-being are significant. However, the direct effect of humor appreciation on subjective well-being is not significant. Altogether, this study demonstrates how sense of humor, perspective-taking, and emotional intelligence contributes to subjective well-being.