NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
ERIC Number: ED556185
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 120
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3035-6041-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Investigating the Effect of Humor Communication Skills Training on Pro-Social and Anti-Social Humor Styles, Cognitive Learning, Self-Efficacy, Motivation, and Humor Use
Vela, Lori E.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, West Virginia University
Humor is an important aspect of interpersonal interactions as it is linked to the development and maintenance of relationships (Merolla, 2006). The purpose of this dissertation was to test the effect of a humor communication skills training program on the ability to minimize anti-social humor (i.e., aggressive, self-defeating) and enhance pro-social humor (i.e., affiliative, self-enhancing) in interpersonal interactions. Working from the framework of Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986, 2001), the effect of the humor skills training on self-efficacy, motivation, positive and negative humor use, and cognitive learning were also examined. Data were collected at baseline, post-training, and at a two week follow-up for the comparison group (n = 149) and treatment group (n = 152). Generally, results indicated that participants in the humor skills training group reported improving in self-enhancing humor, self-efficacy, and cognitive learning, upon completion of the final training session. However, they did not improve in affiliative humor, anti-social humor styles, motivation, or positive humor use. Furthermore, those that completed humor skills training maintained higher levels of self-enhancing humor, self-efficacy, and cognitive learning, two weeks after the final training session. Therefore, humor skills training can influence behavioral change, and this investigation provides a strong starting point for future exploration of the effect of humor skills training in the interpersonal communication context. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A