Does Family Functioning contribute to the Satisfaction with Life among Iranian University Students during COVID-19 Outbreak?

Abstract

Background Research has found that family functioning is positively associated with satisfaction with life. However, further investigations are needed for internal mechanisms of this relationship. On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to decrease life satisfaction. We examined the protective impacts of family functioning, hope and resilience on life satisfaction of university students in COVID-19 pandemics. Methods This cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, between July and December 2021, in Iran. A total of 480 students were recruited from Lorestan University. The State Hope Scale (SHS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Family APGAR Index, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) collected data. Data were analyzed by pearson’ correlation analysis and structural equation modeling. Results Family functioning showed a statistically significant direct effect on hope (β = .41, P < .001), on resilience (β = .39, P < .001) and on life satisfaction (β = .27, P < 0.01). Also, according to the bootstrapping findings, the mediating effect of hope (indirect effect = .21) and resilience (indirect effect = .18) in the association between family functioning and life satisfaction was reliable. Conclusion Family functioning, hope and resilience are three important factors influencing university students’ life satisfaction. Interventions to increase family functioning and hope and resilience are needed to elevate life satisfaction for university students.