Investigation of the Mediating Effect of Humor Styles on the Relationship Between Cognitive Flexibility and Interpersonal Problem Solving Skills


Yerlikaya E. E., Karaçoban F.

VIII. Uluslararası Eğitim Programları ve Öğretim Kongresi (ICCI-EPOK 2021), Burdur, Turkey, 25 - 27 March 2021, pp.1

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Burdur
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.1
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Problem Statement

It is inevitable that problems arise in daily life and interpersonal relationships. Social problem solving is defined as discovering effective coping ways and producing effective cognitive-behavioral processes in solving the problems faced in daily life (D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1990). To solve the problem effectively, one needs to define and formulate the problem correctly. Subsequently, it is necessary to create alternatives, decide on the appropriate alternative, and evaluate the solution by applying the decided solution. The effectiveness of these steps requires a flexible mindset.

Martin and Anderson (1998) define cognitive flexibility as being aware of alternative solutions and options, being flexible to new situations and feeling competent in these situations. Buga, Özkamalı, Altunkol Wise and Çekiç (2018) found that students with high levels of cognitive flexibility have more positive attitudes towards the problem and have more effective problem solving styles. These relationships between cognitive flexibility and problem solving skills show that flexibility may be an important predictor of problem solving.

Another variable that is known to be associated with psychological adjustment and is thought to help the individual effectively cope with the problems they experience in daily life and interpersonal relationships is the sense of humor. A substantial amount of empirical studies have been conducted to examine the claim that humor functions to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and is a strategy that helps a person effectively cope with difficulties and adversity, and there is evidence to support this claim (Abel, 2002; Kuiper, Martin & Olinger, 1993, Nezlek & Derks, 2001; Nezu, Nezu & Blissett, 1988; Overholser, 1992).

It is accepted that cognitive flexibility and sense of humor are personality traits that help a person to cope more effectively with the problems they encounter in daily life, and there are studies revealing that both are related to problem solving, coping with stress and psychological adjustment. The aim of this study is to test the mediating effect of sense of humor on the relationship between cognitive flexibility and problem solving, which is emphasized to be associated with both cognitive flexibility and interpersonal problem solving. The hypotheses regarding the hypothetical model to be tested here are expressed as follows;

1-Cognitive flexibility significantly predicts interpersonal problem solving directly.

2-Cognitive flexibility significantly predicts humor styles.

3-Humor styles mediate the flexibility-problem solving pathway.

Method

In line with the purpose and scope of the planned study, correlational model, one of the quantitative research approaches, will be used. Data are planned to be obtained from approximately 400 teacher candidates studying at a state university located in the southern region of Turkey. Data collection process continues.

During the data collection phase, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory adapted by Sapmaz and Doğan (2013), the Interpersonal Problem Solving Inventory developed by Çam and Tümkaya (2006) and the Humor Styles Scale adapted by Yerlikaya (2003) are used. Mediator role of humor will be tested using a two-stage structural equation analysis procedure. First the measurement model will be established to assess whether each of the latent variables is represented by its indicators. If the measurement model is acceptable then the structural model will be tested.

Findings

In this study, it was aimed to test the mediating effect of sense of humor on the relationship between cognitive flexibility and problem solving, which is emphasized to be related to both cognitive flexibility and interpersonal problem-solving. By testing the hypotheses created for this purpose, it is expected to determine whether the variable of humor styles is partially or fully mediating variable in the relationship between cognitive flexibility and interpersonal problem-solving. Thus, within the scope of the research, it is thought that it will fill the relevant gap in the literature by creating answers to many questions about how the relationship between the dependent and independent variables develops and that the theoretical basis will contribute to the knowledge.

Key words: Cognitive flexibility, interpersonal problem solving, humor styles, mediating effect