Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to explore the associations between level of internalized homophobia, experiences of heterosexism, and gender with endorsement of type of humor (self-enhancing, affiliative, self-defeating, and aggressive) used as a coping skill among sexual minority participants. A survey was created and administered online, and participants were recruited by word of mouth, emails, and online postings on Facebook and craigslist. The sample consisted of 146 participants who identified as a sexual minority (i.e. Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual), with ages ranging from 18 to 70 years. Results indicated a positive direct correlation between participants' level of internalized homophobia and endorsement of self-defeating humor. Results also indicated a positive direct correlation between participants' experiences of heterosexism and endorsement of self-defeating humor. Results indicated no significant correlations among level of internalized homophobia, experiences of heterosexism, and endorsement of aggressive, affiliative, or self-enhancing humor types. In regard to gender and humor type, men in the sample endorsed greater levels of aggressive humor than women in the sample. Results indicated no significant difference between men and women for self-defeating humor. Future research should continue to explore sexual minorities' use of humor. Implications of the present study suggest that clinicians be alert to and explore consequences of utilizing self-defeating and aggressive humor, especially for sexual minorities with more experiences of heterosexism, higher levels of internalized homophobia, and men using aggressive humor. Additionally, adaptive coping skills, such as affiliative and self-enhancing humor, should be encouraged to promote well-being.