Exploration of the differences in positive-negative psychological factors influencing the life satisfaction and depression of college students by gender and family economic level

Abstract

This study identifies the factors affecting life satisfaction and depression of Korean college students and analyzes the differences between gender and family economic level in positive (self-esteem, ego-resilience, self-identity, life satisfaction) and negative emotions (attention deficit, aggression, depression, social withdrawal). The data from the 7th year of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) conducted by the Korea Youth Policy Research Institute (KCYPS) with a total of 2,351 university students were used, and finally, 1220 subjects were selected. The statistical analysis methods of T-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis were utilized with SPSS 23. The male students had significantly higher positivity than female students except for attention deficit. Those who said that they had a higher family economic background had significantly higher positive emotions and lower negative emotions except social withdrawal. Aggression had the greatest influence on depression, and the higher the satisfaction of life and self-esteem, the lower the depression. In terms of life satisfaction, self-esteem and self-resilience were identified as positive factors and depression as a negative factor. In other words, to increase the life satisfaction of college students, an intervention program to increase self-esteem and lower depression will be needed.

Relationship Between Freshmen’s Psychological Health and Family Economic Status in Chinese Universities: A Latent Profile Analysis

“…In contrast, college freshmen from economically disadvantaged families may face higher economic stress during their growth process, which can increase their risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity. 72 , 73 Moreover, students from families with lower economic status typically receive less family support, and their parents may experience behavioral or emotional problems due to their disadvantaged economic position, leading to increased conflict between family members. 74 Some parents may have low income and need to work long hours, leaving them with insufficient attention, caring, and understanding for their children, resulting in increased psychosocial distress among the children.…”

Self-esteem and family satisfaction as predictors of life satisfaction in Peruvian highland university students

“…Another study found that family as well as self-esteem were positive contributors to life satisfaction in over 3,310 students (Lábiscsák-Erdélyi et al, 2022). It is important to highlight the study of Jun and Jung (2022) who analyzed 1,220 college students and found that those who had higher family and significant positive emotions manifested higher life satisfaction and self-esteem. The report by Moksnes et al (2022) highlights significant positive associations between selfesteem and life satisfaction in 1,816 students, emphasizing the need to promote self-esteem, belonging, and social integration to support students' life satisfaction.…”

Factors Affecting the Happiness of Korean University Students

“…Jun and Jung [29] identify the factors affecting life satisfaction of Korean college students, using the data from the Korea Children's Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) conducted by the Korea Youth Policy Institute. The KCYPS was conducted in 2010 to identify the growth and developmental patterns of children and adolescents.…”