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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo Usán Supervía & Carlos Salavera Bordás & Víctor Murillo Lorente, 2020. "Exploring the Psychological Effects of Optimism on Life Satisfaction in Students: The Mediating Role of Goal Orientations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-9, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7887-:d:435836
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ed Diener, 2006. "Guidelines for National Indicators of Subjective Well-Being and Ill-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 7(4), pages 397-404, November.
    2. Ferran Casas & Sergiu Bălţătescu & Irma Bertran & Mònica González & Adrian Hatos, 2013. "School Satisfaction Among Adolescents: Testing Different Indicators for its Measurement and its Relationship with Overall Life Satisfaction and Subjective Well-Being in Romania and Spain," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 111(3), pages 665-681, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ovidiu Popa-Velea & Irina Pîrvan & Liliana Veronica Diaconescu, 2021. "The Impact of Self-Efficacy, Optimism, Resilience and Perceived Stress on Academic Performance and Its Subjective Evaluation: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Daniel Homocianu, 2024. "Life Satisfaction: Insights from the World Values Survey," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-47, July.
    3. Yuxi Tang & Weiguang He, 2022. "Emotion Regulation and Psychological Capital of Chinese University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Serial Mediation Effect of Learning Satisfaction and Learning Engagement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-15, October.

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