Taking Back Power: Using Superiority Theory to Predict Humor Use Following a Relational Transgression

Superiority theory has explained and predicted receivers' appreciation of humor; this study utilized a superiority framework from a source orientation and explored humor following relational transgressions. College students (N = 220; 60% male) completed questionnaires about a relational transgression in a close friendship or romantic relationship. Results indicated that use of negative humor targeted at the relational transgressor was positively related to severity of the transgression (r =.15) and levels of punitive power (r =.34), as well as aggressive humor style (r =.39). Superiority theory was supported as a viable framework for investigating humor production in interpersonal relationships.