The effect of humor on insight problem-solving

Abstract Past literature on humor and creativity mainly focuses on the positive effect of humor on the divergent aspect of creativity. However, few researches have examined the relationship between humor and the convergent aspect of creativity, specifically insight problem-solving. The present research aimed to fill in this gap and examine the effect of humor on insight problem-solving. In Study 1, a sample of 32 subjects participated in a within-subjects study that tested the effects of humor comprehension (cognitive component of humor) and humor appreciation (affective component of humor) on insight problem-solving. In Study 2, a sample of 62 participants was recruited in a between-subjects study that examined the mediating role of cognitive flexibility. The results showed that: (1) participants' performance on insight problem-solving was significantly higher in humor condition than that in the non-humor condition; (2) no performance differences were found between the cognitive humor condition and the cognitive and affective humor condition; (3) cognitive flexibility partially mediated the effect of humor on insight problem-solving. These findings suggested that humor comprehension, rather than humor appreciation, can promote individuals' performance on insight problem-solving. The implications for convergent aspect of creativity and interventions on how to utilize humor to enhance creativity are discussed.