To view the entire report click on the link below:
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/research_evaluation/researchresults/463Hawkins/hawkins_d.pdf.pdf

Abstract of Dissertation Presented to the Graduate School
of the University of Florida in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

COMPARING THE USE OF HUMOR TO OTHER COPING MECHANISMS
IN RELATION TO MASLACH’S THEORY OF BURNOUT
By
Drew A. Hawkins
May 2008

Chair: Phillip A. Clark
Cochair: Linda Serra Hagedorn
Major: Educational Leadership

This study compared the use of humor to other coping mechanisms in relation to
Maslach’s theory of burnout. Data were analyzed to determine statistically significant
relationships among humor dimensions, other coping mechanisms, and public elementary school
principals’ level of burnout.
The school principal’s job has become more challenging. The literature supported the use
of humor as a means of coping. Humor can be used as a form of communication in
organizations to promote cohesiveness, build consensus, deliver messages across power and
authority, make situations less threatening, and promote change.
The sample for this study included a random sampling of 400 public elementary school
principals from across Florida. Participants in this study used the Maslach Burnout Inventory to
rate their level of burnout on the scales of Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and
Personal Achievement; the Humor Styles Questionnaire to rate their self-perceived use of humor;
and the COPE Inventory to rate their self-perceived use of humor compared to other coping
mechanisms.