Not such a funny thing: When humor meets narcissism

Individuals suffering from vulnerable and grandiose forms of pathological narcissism are known to differ in how they perceive themselves and reality, as well as in the way they behave in interpersonal situations (Dickinson & Pincus, 2003). This chapter attempts to further expand this notion by examining the use of humor and its impact on pathological narcissism. We review the literature concerning the psychosocial effects of humor and their relation to personality. Two studies are presented. The first study evaluated the mediating role of humor styles in the link between the forms of narcissism and perceived stress and the second study evaluated the mediating role of humor styles in the relationship between the two forms of narcissism and self-esteem. The results of these studies are discussed.