OPTIMISM AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STYLES: CONSTRUCTIVE HUMOR AS A MEDIATOR

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the connection between optimism, constructive humor and conflict management styles. The sample consisted of 200 participants aged 18 to 25 years (Mean=21.30, SD=2.059) collected through convenience sampling technique. Three scales were used for data collection, i.e., Conflict Management Style Assessment Scale (Adkins, 2004), Humor Style Questionnaire (HSQ; Martin et al., 2003), and Revised Life Orientation Scale (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994). The study assumed a positive impact of optimism on conflict management styles and a constructive humor as a mediator between optimism and conflict management styles. The results showed that optimism explained 8% of variance in conflict management styles, hence showing its positive impact on conflict management. Additionally, constructive humor partially mediated between constructive humor and conflict management styles. The study highlights that the use of positive thinking and constructive humor may improve interpersonal conflicts.