Self Compassion, Humor Styles and Cognitive Flexibility in University Students

Abstract

Cognitive flexibility (CF) plays a vital role in how university students manage academic stress, emotional challenges, and decision-making in a changing world. The present research investigated the relationship between self compassion, humor styles, and cognitive flexibility (CF) in Pakistani university students. A correlational study using a cross-sectional approach was conducted. Convenient sampling was utilized to gather data from a sample of 304 university students. To assess the study variables, three standardized instruments were used: the Self-Compassion Scale– Short Form (SCS-SF), the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ), and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI). The findings revealed a notable positive association between self-compassion and cognitive flexibility (CF). Among humor styles, self-enhancing humor was found to have a positive correlation with CF, whereas self-defeating humor exhibited a negative correlation with it. Further, analysis through regression techniques indicated that both self-compassion and self-enhancing humor were positive predictors of CF, in contrast, self-defeating humor emerged as a negative predictor. Gender-based variations were identified: male participants demonstrated greater self compassion and tended to use aggressive and self-defeating humor styles more frequently than their female counterparts. This study provides insights into how emotional and cognitive traits interact within a collectivist and high-pressure educational context. Limitations include a geographically limited and predominantly urban, student-based sample and the correlational design also limits causal interpretation.Future studies should include diverse populations across regions and integrate additional psychological factors for a more comprehensive understanding. These findings highlight the value of fostering self-compassion and adaptive humor styles in university-based mental health programs to promote cognitive flexibility and resilience