Behind the Smile: How Flow and Katagelasticism Shape Moral and Social Engagement in Pakistani Adults

Abstract

This study aims to determine the relationship between Flow state of personality and social disengagement through ketaglasticism (enjoyment of humor) with the moderated role of moral evasion. A sample of 403 Pakistani adults completed measures of flow (Flow Short Scale, α = .90), moral evasion (Moral Disengagement Scale, α = .92), katagelasticism (PhoPhiKat-30, α = .82), and social disengagement (UCLA Loneliness Scale, α = .94). Results indicated that flow state reduced social disengagement through increased katagelasticism, conditioned upon the levels of moral evasion. Specifically, the indirect effect was stronger for individuals with lower moral evasion. These findings highlight the complex interplay between flow, humor, morality, and social connection.