Zayva O. Distinctive Features of Using the Sense of Humor as a Coping Behavior Resource

The object of study – sense of humor as a coping behavior resource. The purpose of study is theoretical substantiation and empirical check of interrelation between a phenomenon of coping behavior and sense of humor; finding - out of individual qualities and style characteristics of sense of humor of the persons, which differently understand it coping behavior potential. The methods: the system approach, modeling, quasi-experiment, psychological testing, claster analysis, establishment of correlation communications, comparison of excerpt to attributes, analysis, synthesis, ordering, comparison. Novelty: the substantiation of substantial psychological unity individual-subject of characteristics of space of social life of the man, that is shown, in particular, in selection by him of various strategy of overcoming of difficult vital situations and use of humor as realized coping behavior resource or not realized mechanism of psychological defense. The theoretical value of work: application of cognitive-experience theory of formation of the internal world of the person for a substantiation of a role of sense of humor as coping behavior resource and mechanism of psychological defense; conditionality of styles of display of humor and estimation of their efficiency as way coping behavior through connection of sense of humor with an self-image. The practical value of work: the comprehension of sense of humor as of personalize resource of overcoming of condition and emotions allows to expand a spectrum of effective ways of coping behavior. The subject and degree of the introduction: the results of research are used in courses "Modern directions of foreign psychology" and "Psychological consultation" at faculty of psychology and sociology of the Dnipropetrovs’k national university; the adapted tests can be used in psychodiagnostic and psychotherapeutic practice. Efficiency of the introduction - high. The sphere of the use: higher educational institutions, psychological services.