humorlessness

Humorlessness is a descriptive term for a tendency to lack responsiveness to humor or to interpret social situations in a literal, serious way. It is not a formal diagnosis; rather a trait or style that can vary across individuals and contexts.

Possible influences include cognitive style that favors literal interpretation, personality factors such as rigidity or high conscientiousness, mood disturbances like depression or anxiety, developmental characteristics associated with autism spectrum conditions, fatigue, or cultural norms that discourage joking.

Social effects can include perceptions of sternness or unfriendliness, potentially hindering social bonding or the use of humor in communication. In some professional or formal settings, seriousness may be valued, while in other contexts it may reduce perceived warmth or approachability.

Variation and measurement: Appreciation and expression of humor vary across cultures and situations; humorlessness is typically assessed informally rather than by a standardized instrument. People observing others may disagree about whether something is funny or why a person does not find it humorous.

Relation to related concepts: Humorlessness is distinct from simply not telling jokes. It can coexist with dry or deadpan delivery when a person intentionally withholds expression while humor is present internally. It may align with attitudes of stoicism or restraint but remains a separate concept.