The Influence of Dark Humor on Emotional Resilience and Stress Coping in Emerging Adults

Abstract

Dark humor, a unique and often controversial form of humor, has been linked to psychological resilience and stress management. This study investigates the influence of dark humor on emotional resilience, stress levels, and coping mechanisms among emerging adults. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through a Google Form questionnaire from 101 participants aged 18-25. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Pearson correlation, were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. Findings indicate a significant positive impact of dark humor on emotional resilience and coping mechanisms, suggesting that individuals who engage in dark humor tend to have stronger psychological resilience and employ effective coping strategies. However, no significant relationship was found between dark humor and stress reduction, indicating that while dark humor may enhance coping mechanisms, it does not necessarily lower stress levels. These results align with previous research suggesting that humor, particularly adaptive humor styles, contributes to overall psychological well-being by acting as a protective factor against negative emotions. This study provides important implications for psychological interventions, suggesting that humor- based coping strategies can be integrated into mental health programs to enhance emotional resilience among young adults. However, limitations such as self-report bias, small sample size, and lack of longitudinal analysis highlight the need for future research with larger and more diverse populations to further validate these findings.