The Moderating Effects of Personality on Religiosity, Well-being, and Humor: A Cross-Faith Study

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating role of personality traits in the relationships between religiosity, well-being, and humor styles among Christian and Muslim graduate students, with a focus on cross-faith differences. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed, collecting data from 60 Christian and 60 Muslim graduate students. Four, certified self-report scales were used for data collection. Stepwise regression analyses revealed that personality traits significantly influenced religiosity’s associations with well-being and humor. Results revealed that agreeableness strengthened the positive religiosity-well-being link in Christians, while conscientiousness amplified religiosity’s relationship with adaptive humor in Muslims. Neuroticism moderated religiosity’s negative association with maladaptive humor in both groups, though effects were stronger among Muslims. Cross-faith comparisons underscored cultural and doctrinal nuances, with Christians showing stronger personality-mediated religiosity-well-being connections, whereas Muslims exhibited greater moderation in humor-related outcomes. These findings highlight the interplay of individual differences and religious contexts in shaping psychological outcomes, advocating for personalized approaches in counseling and community programs to enhance well-being and adaptive humor in religiously diverse settings.