Funny selves: Development of the Humor Efficacy and Identity Short Scales (HEISS)

Although humor is a universal feature of human communication, people vary widely in how they create and use humor. Guided by broader model creative self-beliefs, we developed the Humor Efficacy Identity Short Scales (HEISS), pair 4-item scales measuring self-efficacy (“I can” beliefs reflecting confidence about one's ability to be funny) identity am” centrality self-concept). Using large sample English speakers (n = 1842), an item response theory analysis found suitable range difficulty, good discrimination, essentially zero gender-based differential functioning. Three follow-up samples with 304, n 400) Polish 385) conceptually consistent relationships backgrounds experiences (e.g., taking classes holding jobs involving humor), Big 5 personality traits, styles playfulness. Taken together, these show promise for research on people's self-concepts studies gendered aspects use, creation, appreciation.