Humor as a coping mechanism: Dealing with manifestations of stress associated with children identified as gifted and talented
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide answers to the following questions: (1) Is there agreement among self, parents', and teachers' perceptions of stress in gifted adolescents? (2) Are there significant relationships between humor and stress as measured on the School Situation Survey (SSS) and the Using Humor In Coping Under Pressure (U HIC UP) instruments? (3) Is training in the use of humor effective in increasing the ability of gifted adolescents to cope with stress? (4) Do training techniques in the use of humor have lasting effects in increasing the ability of gifted adolescents to cope with stress as measured by a follow-up test two months after the end of treatment? Subjects were assessed with the SSS (Helms & Gable, 1989) and the U HIC UP, an instrument developed by this researcher to measure use of humor in coping with stress by students. There was significant agreement between students, parents, and teachers' perception of stress as measured by seven subscales of the SSS. The measure of stress, as indicated on the U HIC UP, was not highly correlated to the SSS subscales, but there were several significant correlations. Post treatment evaluations written by students provided valuable evidence that treatments were effective. Adolescents were very receptive to the use of humor and needed only to be given opportunity and methods for constructive use of humor to be able to make significant changes. Effects of just having read situations on a questionnaire were strong enough to bring about change for the control group, therefore a full curriculum dealing with use of humor and coping with stress could produce lasting positive effects in lives of student participants. Use of humor is a natural, healthy, and easy way to cope with stress of everyday school life. Positive use of humor can be taught. Humor adds new perspective to life. Stress and humor must exist in order to create the dynamic force that propels the human animal. It is in learning to accept both and utilize both, that people are able to advance beyond fear of living and find the joy of life.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Mantzicopoulos, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Educational psychology|Academic guidance counseling
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