Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
VIII. Uluslararası Eğitim Programları ve Öğretim Kongresi (ICCI-EPOK 2021), Burdur, Türkiye, 25 - 27 Mart 2021, ss.1
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