How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 1-2 minutes to complete this 6-question assessment.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if my humor is unhealthy?

Yes, the results will indicate if your use of humor leans towards self-defeatism, which can be linked to lower self-esteem and a need for external validation.

Can my results help me improve my self-esteem?

Absolutely. Recognizing self-defeating patterns is the first step toward adopting a more self-affirming and healthier approach to humor and self-worth.

Discover if your tendency to make yourself the butt of the joke is a sign of deeper emotional needs with this psychological assessment.

Self-Defeating Humor Test

Is your humor hurting your self-esteem?

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: February 16, 2026

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

The Self-Defeating Humor Test is designed to explore how you use comedy in your daily interactions and whether it serves as a mask for underlying insecurities. While being able to laugh at oneself is often seen as a strength, relying on self-deprecation to gain approval can negatively impact your emotional health. This assessment helps you identify if your humor style is self-defeating rather than self-enhancing. For a broader look at your self-perception, you might also consider taking our Impostor Syndrome Scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 1-2 minutes to complete this 6-question assessment.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Self-Defeating Humor Test answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Self-Defeating Humor Test results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if my humor is unhealthy?: Yes, the results will indicate if your use of humor leans towards self-defeatism, which can be linked to lower self-esteem and a need for external validation.
Can my results help me improve my self-esteem?: Absolutely. Recognizing self-defeating patterns is the first step toward adopting a more self-affirming and healthier approach to humor and self-worth.

Self-Defeating Humor Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Humor Habits

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. In my social circle, I often seem to be the target of other people's jokes or teasing.

2. I frequently allow others to joke at my expense or mock me more than I probably should.

3. I often get carried away with criticizing myself if it makes my friends or family laugh.

4. I tend to highlight my own flaws or blunders in a funny way to get people to accept me.

5. I frequently make jokes that disparage or belittle myself.

6. When trying to be funny, I often go too far in putting myself down.

7. I often use humor to cover up my problems or unhappiness so that others don't know how I really feel.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Self-Defeating Humor Test Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Martin, R. A., Puhlik-Doris, P., Larsen, G., Gray, J., & Weir, K. (2003). Individual differences in uses of humor and their relation to psychological well-being: Development of the Humor Styles Questionnaire. Journal of Research in Personality, 37(1), 48–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0092-6566(02)00534-2

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.