International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Understanding PTSD in Early Adults: The Role of Humour Appreciation and Emotional Regulation

Early adulthood (ages 19–40) represents a critical developmental period characterized by identity consolidation, career formation, and relational development, making individuals vulnerable to trauma-related psychological difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emerging evidence suggests that positive psychological constructs, including humour appreciation and emotional regulation, may serve as protective mechanisms against trauma-related distress. This study aimed to examine the relationships among humour appreciation, emotional regulation, and PTSD symptoms in a non-clinical sample of Indian early adults. A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, with 140 participants completing standardized measures: the Humour Styles Questionnaire (HSQ), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Nine participants were excluded due to unreliable responses, resulting in a final sample of 131. Data were collected via online and offline questionnaire forms, taking approximately 15–20 minutes per participant. Pearson correlation analyses revealed significant positive associations between humour appreciation and adaptive emotional regulation strategies, and significant negative associations between both humour appreciation and emotional regulation with PTSD symptoms. Multiple regression and mediation analyses indicated that emotional regulation partially mediated the relationship between humour appreciation and PTSD symptoms, suggesting that the protective effect of humour operates, in part, through enhanced regulatory capacities. These findings highlight humour appreciation as a potential cognitive-emotional resource that can bolster resilience and mitigate trauma-related distress in early adults. The study contributes to positive psychology and trauma literature by integrating culturally relevant factors, emphasizing strengths-based approaches, and identifying targets for early interventions in non-clinical populations.