Exploring the Psychological Effects of Optimism on Life Satisfaction in Students: The Mediating Role of Goal Orientations

Pablo Usán Supervía, Carlos Salavera Bordás and Víctor Murillo Lorente
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Pablo Usán Supervía: Departament of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences and Education, University of Zaragoza, Valentín Carderera, 4, 22003 Huesca, Spain
Carlos Salavera Bordás: Departament of Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Víctor Murillo Lorente: Departament of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Plaza Universidad, 3, 22002 Huesca, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-9

Abstract: Subjective wellbeing is a current issue today. Various variables affect subjective wellbeing during adolescence: a crucial stage in the life of the individual. This study focuses on analysing the relationship between academic goal orientation, optimism and life satisfaction in adolescent students, as well as the possible mediating role of the goal orientation (task and ego) in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in adolescents. Methods: The sample comprises 1602 students (male N = 871; 54.36% and female N = 731; 45.63%) from nine secondary schools. The instruments used were the Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R), the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) questionnaire. Results: The results of the study reveal significant correlations between optimism-related variables, goal orientation and life satisfaction. In addition, goal orientation was found to have a positive mediating role on optimism and life satisfaction. Conclusion: The study shows the importance of promoting adaptive behaviours in goal orientation in adolescents, leading to optimal levels on variables such as optimism and life satisfaction, which in turn improve the individual’s psychological development and academic performance.

Keywords: optimism; goal orientations; life satisfaction; students; adolescents (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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