Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Psychology

Supervisor

Saklofske, Donald H.

Abstract

The State-Trait Cheerfulness Inventory (STCI) measures the temperamental basis of the sense of humor involving cheerfulness, seriousness, and bad mood. This manuscript-based dissertation introduces novel research findings that incrementally advances knowledge and understanding of the state-trait model of cheerfulness. The present research addresses two main objectives to: (1) assess the reliability and validity of the newly constructed measures of the STCI and (2) broaden the understanding of the theoretical framework of the STCI and its association with humor and well-being. Studies One to Four provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the English (state and trait short forms), Italian (standard trait form), and Chinese (standard trait form) versions of the STCI. While the association between the state-trait model of cheerfulness with well-being has been documented in the literature, it has traditionally lent itself readily to zero-order correlational research. To meet the second objective, analysis of individual differences may further clarify the association between traits cheerfulness, seriousness, and bad mood with well-being. Studies Five to Eight address the association between cheerfulness and well-being through the lenses of humor traits (Study Five), self-esteem and behavioural activation (Study Six), resiliency (Study Seven), and creativity (Study Eight). The results provide psychometric evidence for the newly developed versions of the tool and new insight that advances a coherent and multifaceted theoretical framework on the pathways in which the state-trait model of cheerfulness is associated with humor and psychological well-being.

Summary for Lay Audience

The State-Trait Cheerfulness Inventory (STCI) measures the temperamental basis of the sense of humor involving cheerfulness, seriousness, and bad mood. This manuscript-based dissertation introduces novel research findings that incrementally advances knowledge and understanding of the state-trait model of cheerfulness. The present research addresses two main objectives to: (1) assess the reliability and validity of the newly constructed measures of the STCI and (2) broaden the understanding of the theoretical framework of the STCI and its association with humor and well-being. Studies One to Four provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the English (state and trait short forms), Italian (standard trait form), and Chinese (standard trait form) versions of the STCI. While the association between the state-trait model of cheerfulness with well-being has been documented in the literature, it has traditionally lent itself readily to zero-order correlational research. To meet the second objective, analysis of individual differences may further clarify the association between traits cheerfulness, seriousness, and bad mood with well-being. Studies Five to Eight address the association between cheerfulness and well-being through the lenses of humor traits (Study Five), self-esteem and behavioural activation (Study Six), resiliency (Study Seven), and creativity (Study Eight). The results provide psychometric evidence for the newly developed versions of the tool and new insight that advances a coherent and multifaceted theoretical framework on the pathways in which the state-trait model of cheerfulness is associated with humor and psychological well-being.

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