A futures study of life satisfaction among Iranian students

Abstract

Both anecdotal and empirical evidence strongly suggest that the current circumstances are leaving the younger generation in Iran dissatisfied. In light of that, this article embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this predicament through a mixed methods design. The focal point of this investigation rests on a selected cohort of graduate students from the University of Tehran. The administered questionnaire survey, encompassing a sample of 237 students, revealed a significant deficit in both their present and future life satisfaction measures. To delve deeper into the origins of this issue, a series of 32 in-depth interviews were conducted, providing invaluable insights. This qualitative phase was accompanied by a Thematic Analysis and the application of the Causal Layered Analysis methodology. The research findings uncovered an intricate web of factors contributing to youth discontentment. While systemic factors like injustice, corruption, and lack of civil liberties play a significant role, there are deeper layers at play. These include ideological conflicts between the younger generation and the government, the pervasive escalation of social comparison bias, and the spread of loss of meaning in life among the youth. Moreover, this study sheds light on their deepest level of perception and illuminates how they are unable to nurture a positive perspective on their life and society.