Moderating Effect of Self-Esteem on the Relationship Between Optimism and Life Satisfaction in Final Year University Students

Abstract

This study examined the moderating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction in final year university students. A correlational survey design was utilized. Two hundred and twenty-three university final year students of a Nigerian university consisting of 124 males and 99 females aged 24.67±2.56 participated in the study. Data were collected with a structured self-report questionnaire containing satisfaction with life scale (α = .82), Rosenberg self-esteem scale (α = .86), and life orientation test -revised (α = .79). Data were analyzed with SPSS v.23 at 0.05 significant level. Self-esteem significantly moderated the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction as indicated by a significant increase in proportion of the variance in life satisfaction when the interaction term between optimism and self-esteem was added to the regression model [ΔR2 = .03, ΔF (1, 219) = 7.26, p < .008, b = .188, t(220) = 2.69, p < .01]. It was concluded that the predictive impact of optimism on life satisfaction of university final year students is enhanced by their self-esteem; thus, students should be exposed to environment and program that promotes the development of high self-esteem and optimistic life orientation to enhance their well-being.As positive psychology becomes more popular, studies focusing on life satisfaction and associated factors such as

Effect of Optimism, Happiness and Self-esteem on Quality of Life among Yemeni University Students

“…In addition, individual focus on the expectation of positive results leads to an increase in the quality of life.The results of the current study revealed a partial mediation of self-esteem in the relationship between optimism and quality of life. This result is similar to the result of the Agberotimi and Oduaran (2020) study. The current result explains that the individual's anticipation of good events improves his selfperception.…”