UNLOCKING COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY: DISCOVERING ROLES OF HUMOR AND HANDEDNESS

Abstract

Humor may lead to greater cognitive flexibility due to the positive emotions associated with it (Fredrickson, 1998). Additionally, handedness, a marker of hemispheric dominance, has been linked to cognitive differences, with evidence suggesting left- and mixed-handed individuals demonstrate enhanced flexibility through greater interhemispheric communication (Gunstad et al., 2007). This study examines how humor and handedness influence cognitive flexibility, defined as the ability to adjust thinking in response to changing environments and demands (Isaksen and Dorval, 1993). Gender was examined as a potential moderating variable in these relationships. The sample comprised individuals aged 18 to 40 from diverse social backgrounds (N = 120). Standardized scales used included the Richmond Humour Assessment Instrument (RHAI) (Richmond, 2013), Edinburgh Handedness Inventory-Short Form (EHI) (Oldfield, 1971), and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) (Dennis and Vander Wal, 2010). The study employed a quantitative survey methodology, with data collected via Google Forms. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and moderation analysis.