Illuminating the dark : an analysis of mental health, stressorsm and dark humor as experiences by UPRHS Senior High School students

Date

2025

Adviser

Niel Clark V. Abelido

Principal

Mabel S. Buela

Abstract

While previous studies have explored dark humor’s adaptive and maladaptive nature as a coping strategy, individual responses to such humor vary widely depending on contexts and personal experiences. Despite its growing prevalence in historical and contemporary discourse, few studies have investigated the psychological mechanisms underlying dark humor and its impact on mental well-being, particularly within a younger, localized demographic. Thus, the study examines how University of the Philippines Rural High School (UPRHS) senior high school students experience dark humor by analyzing the relationships between their usage and enjoyment of dark humor, stressors, and mental health. Using self-made and validated questionnaires, data were gathered on the following variables: Dark Humor Engagement, Dark Humor Enjoyment, Stressors (Self-Regulation, Familial, Peers, Economic/Financial, Academic), and SED-S (measured negative mental health status). In total, 162 valid responses were collected, composited, and then analyzed through correlation matrices and stepwise linear regression. Key findings reveal that Grade 12 students show higher engagement and enjoyment of dark humor, whereas Grade 11 students report poorer mental health status. Dark Humor Engagement exhibited a weak but significant positive correlation with all stressors, while Dark Humor Enjoyment correlated only with Self-Regulation, Familial, and Academic stressors. Moreover, SED-S scores correlated with both dark humor metrics, suggesting a link between dark humor use and poor mental health. Notably, only a few correlated variables revealed themselves to be sufficiently capable predictors: Self-Regulation and Academic with Dark Humor Engagement, Familial with Dark Humor Enjoyment, and Dark Humor Engagement with SED-S. These results may suggest that using dark humor is maladaptive, where frequent interaction reflects underlying patterns of emotional avoidance or internalized stress, rather than resilience. Thus, future research is advised to employ causal designs, refine operational definitions of dark humor, and incorporate cognitive appraisal measures to further elucidate these relationships.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Notes

To access this capstone, please contact the UP Rural High School Library at uprhslibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph. You may also visit the library in person, provided you secure prior confirmation from the librarian. We will be happy to assist you.

Document Type

Capstone

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