The relation between positive humor use and authenticity: Mediation of cognitive flexibility and psychological vulnerability


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Sarıçalı M., Türküm A. S.

Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, vol.11, no.62, pp.313-331, 2021 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 11 Issue: 62
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.17066/tpdrd.1001698
  • Journal Name: Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.313-331
  • Keywords: Authenticity, Cognitive Flexibility, Mediation Analyses, Positive Humor Style, Psychological Vulnerability
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2021 Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Association. All rights reserved.In the literature, authenticity is stressed as one of the main sources of well-being. At the same time, authenticity is considered as crucial for functional therapeutic outcomes in many counseling approaches and therapeutic relationships. However, although authenticity is considered as an inherent determinant of well-being and therapeutic functioning, there are hardly any studies to explain authenticity. Therefore, the goal of the current study is to examine the mediating roles of cognitive flexibility and psychological vulnerability in the relationship between positive humor use and authenticity amongst undergraduate participants. In the study, data were collected from 660 participants through the Short Form of Authenticity Inventory, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Psychological Vulnerability Scale, Humor Styles Questionnaire and a personal information sheet. In the analysis of the data, a bootstrapping-based multi-mediation test was used. According to the results of the mediation test, partial mediation model was confirmed. In other words, it was revealed that the use of positive humor predicts authenticity both directly and indirectly through cognitive flexibility and psychological vulnerability. Findings were integrated and discussed within the framework of the relevant literature, and recommendations were offered.