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Relational Humor Inventory
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About Relational Humor Inventory
Scale Name
Relational Humor Inventory
Author Details
Erica De Koning and Robert L. Weiss
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Relational Humor Inventory (RHI) is a self-report instrument developed by De Koning and Weiss in 2002 to assess the functions of humor within close relationships, particularly romantic partnerships. Recognizing that humor can play both positive and negative roles in relational dynamics, the RHI evaluates how individuals perceive their own and their partner’s use of humor in various relational contexts. The inventory comprises items that measure different dimensions of humor usage, including:
- Positive Relational Humor: Humor that enhances intimacy, facilitates communication, and strengthens relational bonds.
- Negative Relational Humor: Humor that may be used to avoid addressing issues, express hostility, or create relational distance.
Participants respond to statements about their own and their partner’s humor behaviors, providing insights into how humor functions within their relationship. The RHI has been utilized in research to explore the associations between humor styles and relationship satisfaction, offering valuable information for both clinical assessments and interventions aimed at improving relational health.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: Access the RHI through the original publication in the American Journal of Family Therapy or by contacting the authors for permission to use the instrument in research or clinical settings.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform participants that the RHI aims to assess the role of humor in their relationship, focusing on both positive and negative aspects, to better understand its impact on relational dynamics.
- Provide Instructions: Instruct participants to respond to each item based on their perceptions of their own and their partner’s humor use, using the provided Likert scale.
- Approximate Time: The RHI typically takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: Ensure participants complete the questionnaire in a setting that allows for honest and thoughtful responses, free from external pressures or distractions.
Reliability and Validity
The RHI has demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reported for its subscales indicating reliable measurement of both positive and negative humor functions within relationships. Validity studies have shown significant correlations between RHI scores and measures of relationship satisfaction, communication patterns, and conflict resolution styles, supporting its construct validity. The inventory effectively captures the multifaceted role of humor in relational contexts, making it a valuable tool for both researchers and clinicians.
Available Versions
34-Items
Reference
De Koning, E., & Weiss, R. L. (2002). The relational humor inventory: Functions of humor in close relationships. American Journal of Family Therapy, 30(1), 1-18.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Relational Humor Inventory (RHI)?
The RHI is designed to assess how humor functions within close relationships, evaluating both positive and negative aspects of humor use by individuals and their partners.
Who developed the RHI?
The RHI was developed by Erica De Koning and Robert L. Weiss, as published in their 2002 study.
How is the RHI structured?
The inventory includes items that measure different dimensions of humor usage, focusing on both positive and negative functions within relational contexts.
How is the RHI administered?
Participants self-report their perceptions of their own and their partner’s humor use, responding to each item using a Likert scale.
Is the RHI a reliable and valid measure?
Yes, the RHI has demonstrated good reliability and validity in assessing the functions of humor within close relationships.
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