What Makes a Great Comedian? Insights from personality studies and social science research
Saturday, August 3, 2024. For LB, who wanted to know.
In the world of comedy, the factors that make a great comedian are often subjective.
One person's favorite comic might leave another unimpressed.
However, academic research suggests that there are certain personality traits that many successful comedians share. I was relieved to find this research to help me understand a new client.
Recent studies have explored these traits, drawing fascinating connections between humor, mental health, and audience relationships.
Personality Traits of Comedians
To uncover the psychological makeup of comedians, researchers conducted a study examining the personalities of comedians from the United States, Britain, and Australia. This study was inspired by the intriguing overlap between symptoms of psychosis and the cognitive processes involved in being funny.
The Study's Approach
Researchers approached various comedy societies and asked their members to anonymously complete the Oxford–Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE), a scale that measures bipolar and schizophrenic traits. These results were compared with data from actors and a control group from the general population.
Key Findings: The Comedian's Psyche
Anhedonia: One of the most striking findings was that comedians often experience anhedonia, a condition where they find it unusually difficult to feel physical and social pleasure. This contrasts sharply with the control group and actors, who did not show the same levels of anhedonia.
Antisocial and Nonconformist Tendencies: Comedians displayed higher levels of antisocial behavior and nonconformity. This may contribute to their ability to challenge norms and push boundaries in their humor.
Magical Thinking: Many comedians in the study exhibited magical thinking, such as believing in telepathy or paranormal phenomena. This trait aligns with the creative and unconventional thought processes required for comedy.
Easily Distracted: Comedians also reported higher levels of distractibility, finding it difficult to maintain focus. This cognitive style is reminiscent of the associative thinking patterns found in psychosis, which can lead to unique and humorous connections.
Comparing Comedians and Actors
While actors and comedians share several personality traits, there are significant differences. Actors, unlike comedians, generally do not experience anhedonia and are closer to the norm in their ability to feel pleasure. However, both groups share traits such as nonconformity and a propensity for magical thinking.
The Bipolar Connection
The study revealed that comedians exhibit personality traits similar to those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Dr. Gordon Claridge, one of the study’s authors, explained:
“The creative elements needed to produce humor are strikingly similar to those characterizing the cognitive style of people with psychosis—both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Although schizophrenic psychosis itself can be detrimental to humor, in its lesser form it can increase people’s ability to associate odd or unusual things or to think ‘outside the box’” (Claridge, 2014).
Comedians exhibit unusual bipolar tendencies, balancing introverted and unsociable traits with extroverted and manic-like behaviors. This duality is unique and essential for their comedic performances.
The Comedian-Audience Relationship
One of the most fascinating aspects of the study was the difference in how comedians and actors relate to their audiences.
While actors seek genuine engagement and emotional connection, comedians often exhibit emotional indifference towards their audience.
This detachment allows comedians to focus solely on eliciting laughter, regardless of the emotional response of the audience.
Social Science Perspectives
Social science research supports the idea that comedians have a unique relationship with their audiences.
According to Martin (2007), humor involves cognitive processes similar to those found in creative problem-solving and divergent thinking.
This cognitive style, which is often seen in people with psychotic tendencies, allows comedians to make unusual and surprising connections that are essential for humor.
Moreover, studies have shown that comedians often use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with personal and social challenges (Kottler, 2012). This coping strategy may contribute to their ability to detach emotionally from their audience, focusing instead on the mechanics of humor.
Cultural impact and empathy erosion
Narcissism, a prevalent cultural frame, gnaws away at collective empathy, and comedians often reflect and challenge these emerging societal norms.
The rise of social media and consumer culture has amplified narcissistic tendencies, promoting self-promotion and external validation. Comedians, with their unique cognitive styles, often critique and highlight these cultural shifts, consequently revealing the absurdities of our modern intimate lives.
Final thoughts
Understanding or what makes a great comedian involves exploring deep psychological and cultural dynamics.
The study reveals that comedians possess a unique blend of personality traits, including anhedonia, antisocial behavior, magical thinking, and distractibility. Geez.
These traits, while challenging, also fuel their creativity and ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas humorously.
By considering these traits, we gain insights into the complexities of the comedian’s psyche and the broader cultural context that shapes their craft, as well as there couples therapy.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Ando, V., Claridge, G., & Clark, K. (2014). The personality of comedians: A study of British and Australian professional comedians. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 204(5), 341-345. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.113.134569
Claridge, G. (2010). Personality and psychological disorders. Routledge.
Kottler, J. A. (2012). The therapist's workbook: Self-assessment, self-care, and self-improvement exercises for mental health professionals. John Wiley & Sons.
Martin, R. A. (2007). The psychology of humor: An integrative approach. Elsevier Academic Press.
