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

Usán Supervía, Pablo (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Salavera Bordás, Carlos (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Murillo Lorente, Víctor (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: 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.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217887

Año: 2020

Publicado en: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17 (2020), 7887 [9 pp.]
ISSN: 1661-7827

Factor impacto JCR: 3.39 (2020)

Categ. JCR: PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH rank: 41 / 176 = 0.233 (2020) - Q1 - T1
Categ. JCR: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES rank: 118 / 273 = 0.432 (2020) - Q2 - T2
Categ. JCR: PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH rank: 68 / 203 = 0.335 (2020) - Q2 - T2

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.747 - Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis (Q2) - Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health (Q2) - Pollution (Q2)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Educación Física y Depor. (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Psicolog.Evolut.Educac (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)