Mediator role of optimism and pessimism levels in the relationship between life purpose and life satisfaction

Abstract

In this study, the mediating role of optimism and pessimism levels in the relationship between university students' life goals and life satisfaction was examined. Participants consisted of 407 peo-ple between the ages of 18-25 (M = 20.03). Of the participants, 229 (56.3%) were female and 178 (43.7%) were male. Life Orientation Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Life Goals Scale were used in the study. Within the scope of the study, the mediating role of optimism-pessimism levels in the relationship between life purpose and life satisfaction was examined in the context of structural equation modeling. As an alternative model to this model, the mediating role of life purpose between life orientation and life satisfaction was also tested. While the model fit indices were acceptable for the first model, the fit indices were not acceptable in the alternative model. It is seen that life orientation has a significant mediating effect between life purpose, social responsibility and financial gain sub-dimensions and life satisfaction. On the other hand, there was no mediation effect in the sub-dimensions of individual awareness, physical appearance, and personal develop-ment. As a result of the findings, it was determined that the optimism levels of the individuals who have social responsibility and financial gain life goals are high and they have more life satisfaction. © 2024, Association for Clinical Psychology Research. All rights reserved.