Research proposal submission form

Study title Humor Styles as Predictors of Psychological

Wellbeing and Resilience in the Lebanese
Population
Principal investigator(s): Jad Berbari
Name, title, institution, contact information Haigazian University
(email and phone number) +96170965548
JBERBARI@students.haigazian.edu.lb

Summary
Give a summary of the proposed study (1000-1500 words). Make sure you give sufficient information on
the data collection procedures (interview, manipulations, stimuli, questionnaires, deception…).
Background:
Humor is a universal and complex human experience that has long been a subject of
fascination across various academic disciplines. Humor is also present everywhere in almost all
cultures and in all societies ever since ancient times (Lefcourt, 2001). While often perceived as a mere
source of amusement, humor serves as a lens through which societal norms, values, and tensions are
reflected and critiqued. It acts as a mirror to society, revealing its intricacies, contradictions, and
complexities (Lefcourt, 2001). Humor has found its place in therapeutic settings, with clinicians and
therapists utilizing it as a tool to relieve stress, anxiety, and negative emotions (Martin et al., 2003).
Central to the contemporary study of humor is the concept of "humor styles." Martin et al.'s
(2003) groundbreaking work on the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) provided a comprehensive
framework to understand the diverse ways individuals employ humor and their implications for
psychological well-being. The HSQ identifies four primary dimensions:
 Affiliative Humor: This style revolves around sharing jokes and amusing anecdotes. It encourages
positive interpersonal bonds and it is positively associated with self-esteem and with
psychological well-being.
 Self-enhancing Humor: Individuals with this humor style tend to find humor in everyday
situations, reflecting an optimistic approach to life's adversities.
 Aggressive Humor: It's often at the expense of others and is linked to traits such as hostility and
dominance.
 Self-defeating Humor: This style involves individuals mocking themselves, often seeking approval
from others.
These humor styles play a significant role in social interactions, serving as tools for social bonding,
facilitating communication, and even navigating conflict (Martin et al., 2003). Shared laughter can
bridge cultural, linguistic, and even ideological barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual
understanding (Kuiper & Martin, 1998). Moreover, humor can be strategically employed in social
situations to convey complex ideas in an accessible manner, making it a powerful tool for
persuasion and influence (Ziv, 1990). Humor is however not without its downsides. Inappropriate,
ill-timed, or culturally insensitive humor can exacerbate conflicts, perpetuate harmful
stereotypes, or even cause emotional harm (Ford & Ferguson, 2004). Therefore, understanding
the nuances, cultural sensitivities, and potential implications of humor is crucial for harnessing its
positive potential and mitigating its negative effects (Ford & Ferguson, 2004).
 Lebanon has a rich history, a diverse culture, and unique societal dynamics. The country's
history is intertwined with tales, folklore, and narratives that underscore the significance of humor.
From ancient Phoenician tales to modern-day anecdotes, humor has been an integral part of the
Lebanese storytelling tradition. These narratives, often laced with wit and satire, served not just as
entertainment but also as a means to critique societal norms, challenge authority, and foster
communal bonds (Kalliny et al., 2006). The modern Lebanese media landscape, from television shows
to social media platforms, is a testament to the nation's love for humor. Comedians and media
personalities might use humor as a tool to comment on political events, societal issues, and cultural
trends. This form of humor, while entertaining, also plays a crucial role in fostering societal dialogue,
challenging taboos, and promoting critical thinking (Kalliny et al., 2006). Humor in Lebanon should not
be considered as just a source of fun because it is also a reflection of the nation's societal dynamics.
Humor could give us valuable insights into the interplay of the numerous cultural, religious and
political groups within Lebanon. Moreover, humor serves as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals
and communities to navigate challenges, from political unrest to socio-economic hardships, with a
sense of hope and positivity (Kazarian & Martin, 2006).
To fully grasp the dynamics of humor in Lebanon, it's essential to situate it within the broader
Middle Eastern context. The Middle East, a region marked by its rich history, diverse cultures, and
intricate socio-political dynamics, has its unique humor ethos. The region's collectivist nature
contrasts sharply with Western individualistic perspectives. This collectivism profoundly influences
humor expressions, with shared laughter and communal humor playing pivotal roles in fostering
group cohesion and reinforcing societal norms. The Middle East's complex political landscape has
given rise to humor, especially political satire, as a tool for social commentary. Comedians and media
personalities use humor to critique political regimes, highlight societal issues, and foster political
awareness (Bayat, 2013). Religion plays a significant role in the Middle Eastern context, including its
humor dynamics. While humor related to religious themes can be sensitive, it offers a space for
dialogue and understanding. Approaching religious humor requires cultural sensitivity, recognizing its
potential for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect (Kalliny et al., 2006). Given the region's history of
challenges, from wars to socio-political unrest, humor has emerged as a vital coping mechanism. It
allows individuals and communities to navigate adversity with resilience, underscoring the region's
spirit of perseverance and hope (Abu-Lughod, 2005).

In Lebanon, a nation known for its unique socio-cultural and political dynamics, humor plays
an important role in well-being and in resilience (Kazarian & Martin, 2006). Lebanon's history, marked
by political unrest, civil wars, and socio-economic challenges, has seen humor emerge as a tool for
critiquing political regimes, challenging societal norms, and expressing dissent (Kazarian & Martin,
2006). Humor aids in navigating challenges with a positive disposition, fostering a sense of hope, and
promoting resilience (Kazarian & Martin, 2006). In Lebanon, where religious and cultural diversity is
prominent, humor acts as a unifying force. Shared laughter and humor transcend sectarian divides,
promoting a sense of national unity and identity (Taher, Kazarian, & Martin, 2008). For many in
Lebanon, humor serves a therapeutic purpose, offering an escape from daily stresses and aiding in
coping with trauma. This therapeutic aspect of humor underscores the Lebanese spirit of
perseverance and resilience (Kazarian & Martin, 2006). The Interplay of Humor Styles, Psychological
Well-being, and Resilience. Understanding the intricate relationship between humor styles,
psychological well-being, and resilience is pivotal, especially in contexts marked by socio-cultural and
political complexities like Lebanon.

Given the therapeutic potential of humor and its intricate relationship with well-being and
resilience, understanding its implications for mental health interventions in Lebanon is crucial.
 Humor-based interventions can aid in reframing negative thought patterns, promoting positive coping
strategies, and fostering resilience (Chapman, 1983). Group therapy sessions that incorporate humor
can foster a sense of belonging and mutual support among participants. Shared laughter can act as a
bonding experience, promoting group cohesion, and facilitating open communication (Chapman,
1983). However, while humor holds therapeutic potential, it's essential to approach its integration
into therapy with cultural sensitivity. Therapists must be attuned to cultural nuances, ensuring that
humor does not inadvertently offend or alienate clients (Kazarian & Martin, 2006). The complex
relationship among humor, psychological well-being and resilience, especially within the Lebanese
context, offers a lot of insights for researchers, practitioners, and the general public. As Lebanon
continues to navigate its unique challenges, the therapeutic potential of humor offers a promising
avenue for promoting mental well-being and fostering a culture of resilience and positivity (Chapman,
1983).

Research questions:
RQ1: How do different humor styles relate to psychological wellbeing and resilience among Lebanese
adults?
RQ2: How can findings inform culturally sensitive interventions to improve wellbeing?

The hypotheses for this study, based on the literature review and the defined research objectives, are
as follows:
Hypothesis 1 (H1): Affiliative and self-enhancing humor styles are positively correlated with
psychological overall well-being.
Hypothesis 2 (H2): Aggressive and self-defeating humor styles are negatively correlated with
psychological overall well-being.
Hypothesis 3 (H3): Affiliative and self-enhancing humor styles are positively correlated with
psychological resilience.
Hypothesis 4 (H4): Aggressive and self-defeating humor styles are negatively correlated with
psychological resilience.

Study design:
This research will utilize a cross-sectional correlational study design, primarily for its efficiency
in data collection across a wide range of subjects at a singular point in time. This approach allows for a
broad examination of the relationships between humor styles, psychological resilience, and overall
well-being, albeit without determining causality. It should be emphasized that while this method is
valuable for uncovering connections, it isn't designed to determine cause-and-effect links. The
exploratory aspect of this study is crucial as it sets the stage for subsequent research. It provides
preliminary observations and guidance that can be delved into more deeply using research
approaches focused on establishing causality.

Procedure and Materials:

Procedure

In preparation for my thesis, I am planning to conduct a pilot study that will serve as a
foundational step in validating my research design and methodology. The primary aim of this pilot
study is to test and refine my research questions, methods, and instruments to ensure their
effectiveness and appropriateness for the larger study. I intend to select a small, representative
sample from my target population (10 participamts), adhering to specific criteria that align with my
research objectives. This will not only provide valuable insights into participant behavior and
responses but also help in identifying any potential issues in the data collection process.

Once the pilot study is done, participants will be recruited through social media platforms,
and Lebanese community forums. The post will provide a brief overview of the study's purpose and
procedures and direct interested individuals to contact the researcher. Snowball sampling methods
will also be employed by asking participants to share information about the study within their
networks. Individuals who express interest in participating will be screened for eligibility. The criteria
include being between 18-65 years old and being Lebanese. Eligible participants will receive thorough
information about the study, including its voluntary nature and their rights. Informed written consent
will be obtained from those willing to enroll. Participants will receive links to complete the
questionnaires online. The estimated time for completion is around 30 minutes. The measures include
a demographic sheet, the Humor Styles Questionnaire, Ryff's Scale of Psychological Wellbeing, and
the Brief Resilience Scale. No personally identifying information will be collected alongside responses.
Each participant will be assigned a unique code to allow data linkage while protecting identities.
Electronic data will be stored securely with password protection and encryption, accessible only to
the research team. Upon questionnaire completion, participants will receive a debriefing statement
summarizing the study's goals. The researcher's and university ethics board's contact details will be
provided for any questions about rights or procedures.
The collected data will undergo a rigorous analysis process using IBM SPSS Statistics. Initial
analysis will include calculation of descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, etc.) for all the
variables in the study to provide an overall understanding of the data. Pearson's r correlation analysis
will be conducted to explore the relationships between humor styles, resilience, and psychological
well-being. Additionally, multiple regression analysis will be performed to identify the predictive value
of humor styles on resilience and well-being, and to test the hypotheses. For Hypothesis H3, two-way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be utilized to examine the differences in humor styles and resilience
based on age and sex. Effect sizes will be calculated using partial eta squared, to quantify the
proportion of variance in the dependent variables that can be accounted for by the independent
variables.

Materials/Instruments

The primary method for data collection will be via online self-administered questionnaires
composed of three established scales. They will be administered in English given the lack of validated
translation and the complexity of translating the measures without potentially compromising the
validity and the reliability of the measures (It is important to take into account the limitation of doing
so as it may exclude potential participants who are not comfortable with English, potentially affecting
the representativeness of the sample.). The Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) is a psychological
assessment tool that measures an individual's humor styles. It is designed to assess four different
styles of humor: affiliative humor, self-enhancing humor, aggressive humor, and self-defeating humor.
The questionnaire consists of statements related to each humor style, and individuals are asked to
rate the extent to which they agree or disagree with each statement. The results of the HSQ are
typically presented in the form of scores for each humor style. The scores indicate the individual's
level of endorsement or preference for each style of humor. Here is a brief description of each humor
style and what the scores might indicate:
 Affiliative Humor: This style involves using humor to enhance social relationships and
promote harmony. High scores in affiliative humor suggest that the individual enjoys
making others laugh and uses humor to connect with others.

 Self-Enhancing Humor: This style involves using humor as a coping mechanism to maintain a
positive outlook in challenging situations. High scores in self-enhancing humor suggest that the
individual has a positive sense of humor and uses it to deal with stress and adversity.
 Aggressive Humor: This style involves using humor to ridicule or demean others. High scores in
aggressive humor suggest that the individual may engage in humor that is offensive, sarcastic, or
belittling toward others.
 Self-Defeating Humor: This style involves using humor that puts oneself down or seeks validation
from others through self-deprecating jokes. High scores in self-defeating humor suggest that the
individual may use humor to gain attention, but at the expense of their own self-esteem.
The scores on each humor style can vary from low to high, indicating the individual's relative
preference for that particular style. It's important to note that there are no inherently "good" or
"bad" scores on the HSQ. The interpretation of the results depends on various factors, such as cultural
context and individual preferences. The HSQ has demonstrated good internal consistency with
Cronbach's alpha values ranging from .77 to .81 for the various humor styles (Martin et al., 2003).
The BRS is a concise 6-item tool that quantifies an individual's capacity to recover from stress,
offering a tangible measure of resilience (Smith et al., 2008). Responses are gauged on a 5-point scale,
ranging from strong disagreement to strong agreement. The BRS has shown good reliability with a
Cronbach's alpha of .80 and has been validated in various populations (Smith et al., 2008).
Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB): This scale measures six dimensions of
psychological well-being: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with
others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. The version used in this study will be the 42-item version
with a 6-point Likert scale. The results of the RSPWB are typically presented as scores for each
dimension of well-being. The scoring can vary depending on the specific scoring system or guidelines
provided by the researcher or practitioner administering the assessment. Here are some common
dimensions of well-being assessed by the RSPWB:
 Autonomy: This dimension reflects the extent to which individuals feel a sense of self-
determination, independence, and personal control over their lives.
 Personal Growth: It assesses the extent to which individuals perceive themselves as
continuously developing, learning, and growing as individuals.
 Positive Relations with Others: This dimension examines the quality of an individual's
social relationships, including the presence of supportive and satisfying relationships with
others.
 Environmental Mastery: It reflects an individual's sense of competence and ability to
manage and adapt to their environment effectively.
 Purpose in Life: This dimension explores an individual's sense of meaning, purpose, and
direction in life.
 Self-acceptance: It measures an individual's self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-worth.
The scores for each dimension can vary, typically on a scale ranging from low to high or from
strongly disagree to strongly agree. Higher scores generally indicate a higher level of well-being in the
 respective dimension, while lower scores may suggest lower levels of well-being. I intend to treat
each dimension separately to capture the nuances of well-being. of The RSPWB has been validated in
numerous studies, showing good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha values often
exceeding .80 for the various dimensions (Ryff, 1989). Scores can vary, with higher values typically
indicating enhanced well-being in the respective domain.

Calculation and argumentation of effect and sample size: (please try to use appropriate software (e.g.
G*Power) for the calculation of sample sizes). In case of qualitative studies, provide a reasoning of the
sample size, as related to for example data saturation.
The population of interest for this study comprises Lebanese adults aged between 18 to 65 years. To
ensure an adequate and representative sample for the study, a sample size calculation is performed
based on estimating proportions with a specified confidence level and margin of error.
n = Z^2 * P(1-P) / E^2
Where:
n represents the required sample size
Z is the z-score which equals 1.96 (corresponding to a 95% confidence level)
P is the anticipated proportion in the population, assumed to be 0.5 (as this yields the maximum
possible sample size)
E is the margin of error accepted for the study, which is set at 0.08
Applying these values, we find:
n = 1.96^2 * 0.5(1-0.5) / 0.08^2 = ~150
Thus, for a 95% confidence level and 8% margin of error, a minimum sample size of approximately
150 is recommended. A stratified random sampling technique will be utilized to ensure
representation across different age groups and sex.

Proposed statistical analyses:

Descriptive statistics
Pearson’s r correlations between humor, resilience, and wellbeing
Multiple regression to evaluate predictive ability of humor styles
Two-way ANOVA to assess demographic differences

Scientific and societal significance:

It is among the few research studies to shed light on the various styles of humor practiced by
Lebanese people and mostly the one of the first research in the Middle East to study the effects of
various humor styles (Affiliative, Self-Enhancing, Aggressive, Self-Defeating) on positive psychological
aspects (wellbeing, and resilience). This study is significant in that it will inform clinicians on ways to
work with the Lebanese population by tackling humor in therapy given that, in the end, therapy aims
to foster human’s psychological wellbeing, and resilience. The identification of which humor styles,
under specific conditions, can enhance resilience, instill hope, and improve psychological well-being,
can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of humor interventions. Humor interventions are
a form of Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs). Some research has suggested that humor could be
taught and could lead to outcomes such as increased well-being, decreased negative emotions and
increased resilience (Santos et al., 2013). The mental well-being of individuals, especially those in
 high-stress professions, such as medicine, has been a central point of numerous studies. Santos et al.
(2013) delved into the potential of positive psychology techniques to bolster subjective well-being
among medical students. Their findings were promising, revealing that the intervention group
experienced heightened positive emotions and life satisfaction, coupled with a decline in mental
health issues, when juxtaposed with the control group.

Additionally, Recent scientific investigations into the efficacy of positive psychology

interventions (PPIs) have demonstrated significant improvements in mental well-being. A
comprehensive meta-analysis conducted on controlled studies revealed that PPIs, which focus on
cultivating positive feelings, cognitions, or behaviors, show substantial benefits in enhancing social,
emotional, and psychological well-being. This analysis, considering various interventions and diverse
clinical populations, underscores the effectiveness of positive psychology in promoting mental health,
thereby offering a valuable complement to traditional psychological approaches (BMC Psychiatry,
2023).

This emphasis on positive psychology aligns with the findings of Santos et al. (2013), who,
through a systematic review, underscored the profound impact of positive emotion in treating
depression. Their research illuminated that strategies rooted in positive emotion not only alleviate
symptoms of depression but also potentially diminish the prevalence of common mental disorders.
Beyond the realm of positive psychology, the concept of resilience emerges as a pivotal protective
factor against mental health challenges. Interventions aimed at fostering resilience have
demonstrated efficacy in mitigating depression, stress, and the perception of stress, reinforcing its
role as a bulwark against burnout and mental illness.

My thesis does not propose a universal application of humor but suggests that understanding
different humor styles can aid clinicians in tailoring their approach. The use of humor should be
sensitive to individual patient preferences and cultural contexts. , my thesis suggests that clinicians,
informed by an understanding of various humor styles, could consider these when integrating humor
into therapy. This is not a mandatory assessment for every patient but a potential strategy to enhance
therapy's effectiveness, aligning with individual needs. Humor's role within positive psychology is
emerging. My thesis seeks to contribute to this area by examining how humor styles impact well-
being. I will include literature that supports the integration of humor as a technique in positive
psychology, highlighting its potential benefits in enhancing psychological resilience and well-being.

Participants
1. Please check the relevant study population:
X Students
X General population without complaints
 General population with specific “complaints”, i.e. stress, anxiety, depression…
 Patients, specify ___________________________________
 Other, Specify ___________________________________

2. Do you use patients or persons from the general population with specific “complaints”? Please
indicate below why it is necessary to execute your study in this study population.
X N/A
3. Age category of the study population:
 <12 yrs
 12-17 yrs
X ≥ 18 yrs

4. Are the proposed participants able to give informed consent?

X Yes
 No, If “No” please answer the below question

If no, who will provide consent on their behalf and how will you ensure their rights as a participant?

5. Is your study population younger than 18 years of age? Please give a reason for the inclusion of this
young research population in your study.
X N/A

6. Organization where the recruitment of participants will take place:

 Haigazian University
Other, specify ___________________________________ (make sure you provide a
copy of permission for data collection from other institutions)
X NA. specify ___________________________________
7. Reward for participation (per experiment/survey/interview…)
X None
 Reimbursement of travel expenses
 Financial reward, i.e. …………….LBP/hours
 in kind, specify ___________________________________

8. Describe in detail the expected burden of the experiment/assessment/interview occasions for the
study participants with respect to time, mental and physical burden:
There appears to be minimal risks associated with participating beyond the time commitment (15
minutes) to complete the surveys. Surveys assessing psychological constructs do carry an inherent risk
of causing mild psychological/emotional discomfort.

9. Describe potential negative consequences / risks of participation for the study participants:
N/A because …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
10. Will you be using deception? If yes justify why deception will be used and why alternate methods are
not applicable.
Deception is not necessary for this type of descriptive, correlational study. Using deception generally
requires strong justification related to research necessity and lack of alternatives.

11. Describe measures that have been taken to protect the study participant (e.g. debriefing, etc.):
 N/A because …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Although risks seem minimal, measures will still be taken to protect participants. For example: clearly
conveying the voluntary nature of participation, allowing participants to skip questions or withdraw,
and securely storing data to protect privacy/confidentiality.

Information, data archiving and privacy

1. When applicable, are there terms/conditions set by the funding organization with respect to
information, privacy and reporting?
 Yes, i.e. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
 No
X N/A

2. Method of recruitment of participants (multiple options may be checked):

 Advertisement
 Conversation with medical doctor/psychiatrist/psychologist/social worker/Educator/School Principal
X Voluntary application, specify _________Online (a link to Surveymonkey.com will be
shared on social platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook and whatsapp)_________________________
 Other, specify ___________________________________
3. How much time is given to eligible participants/parents/caretakers/guardians to decide about
participation after the participant has received the participant information letter?
one day

4a. Does this study deviate from the following concerning information giving and privacy?

1. participants are informed about the nature of the study in writing and in advance
2. participants are asked to give written informed consent by means of a consent form
3. In case of experiments participants are debriefed afterwards (in writing and orally) about the goals of
the study and reason for potential misleading elements during the experiment

regarding research data:

4. data are processed in a coded fashion (and anonymous) and stored confidentially
5. a participant may always look into their own data (except when a study is completely anonymous,
then there is no link between personal information and study data)
 6. all data must be available for inspection for all investigators involved in the project

X No
 yes, this study deviates with respect to rule(s):
 1  2  3  4  5  6 (multiple options possible)
4b. If the study deviates from the above stated rules on one or more points, please describe how the
study deviates from the standard rules per deviation:

4c. The study deviates from the above stated rules on one or more points, please describe the reasons
for deviation from the standard rules

DATA USE & PUBLICATION

1. What do the researchers plan to use the obtained data for (you may check multiple answers)?

 scientific publication(s) in peer reviewed journal

X Student term paper project
 educational purposes only
 Report for external organization
 Report for own organization
 pilot data only to substantiate grant applications
 other, specify ___________________________________

Additional information
Please use this space to add information that is important to your project but was not asked about in
the form.
N/A

Sending the proposal to the HU ethics committee

The committee would like to receive the following documents in addition to this research proposal (if
applicable):
 Participant information letter (precedes participation)
 Informed consent form / assent form (if applicable)
 Written consent of external (outside university) institution to recruit participants
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