The Role of Humour Styles in Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Stress among Young Adults

This study examined whether humour styles mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and perceived stress among young adults. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used with 222 participants aged 18–25 years. Standardized measures included the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, the Humour Styles Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA, regression, and mediation analysis. Results indicated that higher emotional intelligence was associated with greater use of adaptive humour styles and lower perceived stress. Self-enhancing humour negatively predicted stress, whereas self-defeating humour positively predicted stress. However, humour styles did not significantly mediate the relationship between emotional intelligence and perceived stress, indicating a direct effect of emotional intelligence on stress reduction. No significant differences were found across gender or socio-economic groups. The findings highlight emotional intelligence as a key protective factor and underscore the role of adaptive humour in psychological well-being among young adults.