Do School Experiences Predict Life Satisfaction in Turkish College Students?

Author :  

Year-Number: 2015-Volume 7, Issue 1
Language : null
Konu : null

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the predictive role of school experiences on life satisfaction. Participants were 311 college students. In this study, the Perceived School Experiences Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. The relationships between school experiences and life satisfaction were examined using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. In correlation analysis, academic press, academic motivation, and school connectedness were found positively related to life satisfaction. According to regression results, academic press, academic motivation, and school connectedness predicted life satisfaction in a positive way. School experiences have explained 26% of the variance in life satisfaction. The results were discussed in the light of the related literature and dependent recommendations to the area were given.

Keywords

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the predictive role of school experiences on life satisfaction. Participants were 311 college students. In this study, the Perceived School Experiences Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. The relationships between school experiences and life satisfaction were examined using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. In correlation analysis, academic press, academic motivation, and school connectedness were found positively related to life satisfaction. According to regression results, academic press, academic motivation, and school connectedness predicted life satisfaction in a positive way. School experiences have explained 26% of the variance in life satisfaction. The results were discussed in the light of the related literature and dependent recommendations to the area were given.

Keywords


  • Akın, A., Gediksiz, E., Akın, Ü., Arslan, S., Çardak, Ü., Akbaş, Z. Ş., & Sariçam, H. (2013). The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Perceived School Experiences Scale. Paper presented at the International Conference on Innovation and Challenges in Education 2013 (CICE 2013), 26-28 April, Kütahya, Turkey.

  • Anderson-Butcher, D., Amorose, A., Iachini, A., & Ball, A. (2012). The development of the Perceived School Experiences Scale. Research on Social Work Practice, 22(2) 186-194. doi: 10.1177/1049731511419866.

  • Arnett, J. J. (1999). Adolescent storm and stress reconsidered. American Psychologist, 54, 317-326.

  • Bailey, T. C., Eng, W., Frisch, M. B., & Snyder, C. R. (2007). Hope and optimism as related to life satisfaction. The Journal of Positive Psychology: Dedicated to furthering research and promoting good practice, 2(3), 168-175. doi: 10.1080/17439760701409546

  • Battin-Pearson, S., Newcomb, M. D., Abbott, R. D., Hill, K. G., Catalano, R. F., & Hawkins, J. D. (2000). Predictors of early high school dropout: A test of five theories. Journal of Educational Psychology, 92, 568582. doi: 10.1037/0022-0663.92.3.568

  • Battistich, V., Solomon, D., Kim, D., Watson, M., & Schaps, E. (1995). Schools as communities, poverty levels of student populations, and students’ attitudes, motives, and performance: A multilevel analysis. American Educational Research Journal, 32(3), 627-658.

  • Bowen, N. K., & Bowen, G. L. (1999). Effects of crime and violence in neighborhoods and schools on the school behavior and performance of adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Research, 14, 319-342.

  • Bryk, A. S. (2010). Organizing schools for improvement. Phi Delta Kappan, 91, 23-30.

  • Bulut, N. (2007). Relations between school psychological counselors’ life satisfaction, strategies of coping with stress and negative automatic thoughts. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 3(27), 1-13.

  • Busseri, M. A., Sadava, S. W., & Decourville, N. (2007). A hybrid model for research on subjective wellbeing: Examining common- and component-specific sources of variance in life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Social Indicators Research, 83, 413-445. doi: 10.1007/s11205-006-9028-8

  • Caldwell, A. E. (2009). The relationship between life satisfaction and self-beneficial behaviors. Unpublished PhD. dissertation, Texas Christian University, Texas.

  • Connell, J. P.,& Wellborn, J. G. (1991). Competence, autonomy and relatedness: A motivational analysis of self-system processes. In M. Gunnar & L. A. Sroufe (Eds.), Minnesota symposium of child psychology (Vol. 22, pp. 43-77). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

  • Costante, C. C. (2002). Healthy learners: The link between health and student achievement. American School Board Journal, 189,1-3.

  • Croninger, R. G., & Lee, V. E. (2001). Social capital and dropping out of high schools: Benefits to at-risk students of teachers’ support and guidance. Teachers College Record, 103, 548-581.

  • Çelik, M., & Tümkaya, S. (2012). The relationship between job variables of life satisfaction and marital satisfaction of lecturers. KEFAD, 13(1), 223-238.

  • Demerouti, E., Bakker, A. B., Nachreiner, F., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2000). A model of burnout and life satisfaction among nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32, 454-464.

  • DeSantis-King, A., Huebner, E. S., Suldo, S. M., & Valois, R. F. (2006). An ecological view of school satisfaction in adolescence: Linkages between social support and behavior problems. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 1, 279-295. doi: 10.1007/s11482-007-9021-7

  • Diener, E. (1984). Subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 542-575.

  • Diener, E., Suh, E. M., Lucas, R. E., & Smith, H. L. (1999). Subjective well-being: Three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125(2), 276-302.

  • Diener, E., Napa-Scollon, C. K., Oishi, S., Dzoketo, V., & Suh, E. M. (2000). Positivity and the construction of life satisfaction judgments: Global happiness is not the sum of its part. Journal of Happiness, 1, 159-176.

  • Ding, C., & Hall, A. (2007). Gender, ethnicity, and grade differences in perceptions of school experiences among adolescents. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 33, 159-174.

  • Durak, M., Şenol-Durak, E., & Gençöz, T. (2010). Psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) among Turkish university students, correctional officers, and elderly adults. Social Indicators Research, 99, 413-429. doi: 10.1007/s11205-010-9589-4

  • Edwards, L. M., & Lopez, S. J. (2006). Perceived family support, acculturation, and life satisfaction in Mexican American youth: A mixed-methods exploration. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(3), 279287. doi: 10.1037/0022-0167.53.3.279

  • Elmore, G. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2010). Adolescents’ satisfaction with school experiences: relationships with demographics, attachment relationships, and school engagement behavior. Psychology in the Schools, 47(6), 525-537. doi: 10.1002/pits.20488

  • Extremera, N., Duran, A., & Rey, L. (2009). The moderating effect of trait meta-mood on perceived stress on life satisfaction. Personality and Individual Differences, 47, 116-141.doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2009.02.007

  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56, 218-226. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218

  • Frisch, M. B. (2000). Improving mental and physical health care through quality of life therapy and assessment. In E. Diener& D. R. Rahtz (Eds.), Advances in quality of life: Theory and research (pp. 207-241). London: Kluwer.

  • Gilman, R., & Huebner, E. S. (2003). A review of life satisfaction research with children and adolescents. School Psychology Quarterly, 18, 192-205.doi: 10.1521/scpq.18.2.192.21858

  • Goodenow, C. (1993). The psychological sense of school membership among adolescents: Scale development and educational correlates. Psychology in the Schools, 30, 79-90.

  • Goodwin, R., Cook, O., & Yung, Y. (2001). Loneliness and life satisfaction among three cultural groups. Personal Relationships, 8, 225-230.

  • Gottfried, A. E. (1990). Academic intrinsic motivation in young elementary school children. Journal of Educational Psychology, 82, 525-538.

  • Hawkins, J. D., Guo, J., Hill, K. G., Battin-Pearson, S., & Abbott, R. D. (2001). Long-term effects of the Seattle Social Development Intervention on school bonding trajectories. Applied Development Science, 5, 225-236.

  • Henderson, C. L., Buehler, A. E., Stein, W. L., Dalton, J. E., Robinson, T. R., & Anfara, V. A. (2005). Organizational health and student achievement in Tennessee middle schools. NASSP Bulletin, 89, 54-75.

  • Huebner, E. S., Ash, C. L., & Laughlin, J. E. (2001). Life experiences, locus of control and school satisfaction in adolescence. Social Indicators Research, 55, 167-183.

  • Huebner. E. S., & Gilman, R. (2003). Toward a focus on positive psychology in school psychology. School Psychology Quarterly, 1, 99-102.

  • Huebner, E. S., & Gilman, R. (2006). Students who like and dislike school. Applied Quality of Life Research, 1, 139-150.doi: 10.1007/s11482-006-9001-3.

  • Huebner, E. S., & McCullough, G. (2000). Correlates of school satisfaction among adolescents. Journal of Educational Research, 93, 331-335.doi: 10.1080/00220670009598725

  • Jordan, W. J., Lara, J., & McPartland, J. M. (1996). Exploring the causes of early dropout among Race-Ethnic and gender groups. Youth and Society, 28(1), 62-94.

  • Klem, A. M., & Connell, J. P. (2004). Relationships matter: Linking teacher support to student engagement and achievement. Journal of School Health, 74, 262-273.doi: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2004.tb08283.x

  • Landen, W. (1993). Violence in our schools: What can we do? Madison, WI: Wisconsin Center for Educational Research.

  • Lee, V. E., & Smith, J. B. (1999). Social support and achievement for young adolescents in Chicago: The role of school academic press. American Educational Research Journal, 36, 907-945.

  • Libbey, H. (2004). Measuring student relationships to school: Attachment, bonding, connectedness, and engagement. Journal of School Health, 74, 274-283.doi: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2004.tb08284.x

  • Long, J. F., Monoi, S., Harper, B., Knoblauch, D., & Murphy, P. K. (2007). Academic motivation and achievement among urban adolescents. Urban Education, 42, 196-222.doi: 10.1177/0042085907300447

  • Loukas, A. Suzuki, R., & Horton, K. D. (2006). Examining school connectedness as a mediator of school climate effects. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 16, 491-502.doi: 10.1111/j.1532-7795.2006.00504.x

  • Ma, X. (2007). School experiences influence personal health and interpersonal relationships of adolescents: The Canadian case. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 18(2), 209-240.doi: 10.1080/09243450600909183

  • Masten, A., Coatsworth, J. D., Neemann, J., Gest, S. D., Tellegen, A., &Garmezy, N. (1995). The structure and coherence of competence from childhood through adolescence. Child Development, 66, 1635-1659.

  • McGraw, K., Moore, S., Fuller, A., & Bates, G. (2008). Family, peer, and school connectedness in final year secondary school students. Australian Psychologist, 43, 27-37.doi: 10.1080/00050060701668637

  • McLellan, L., Rissela, C., Donnellya, N., & Bauman, A. (1999). Health behaviour and the school environment in New South Wales, Australia. Social Science & Medicine, 49, 611-619.

  • Middleton, M. J., &Midgley, C. (2002). Beyond motivation: Middle school students’ perceptions of press for understanding in math. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 27, 373-391.

  • Noddings, N. (2003). Happiness and education. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

  • Özgüngör, S. (2009). Postmodernizm, identity status and life satisfaction. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 4(31), 32-42

  • Palmer, B., Walls, M., Burgess, Z., & Stough, C. (2001). Emotional intelligence and effective leadership. Leadership &Organisational Development Journal, 22, 5-10.

  • Pianta, R. C. (1999). Enhancing relationships between children and teachers. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

  • Resnick, M. D., Bearman, P. S., Blum, R. W., Bauman, K. E., Harris, K. M., Jones, J., & Udry, J. R. (1997). Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 823-833.

  • Rostami, Z., & Abedi, M. R. (2012). Does academic burnout predicts life satisfaction or life satisfaction is predictor of academic burnout? Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 3(12), 668674.

  • Sapmaz, F., & Doğan, T. (2012). Optimism as a predictor of happiness and life satisfaction. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 8(3), 63-69.

  • Siahpush, M., Spittal, M., & Singh, G. K. (2008). Happiness and life satisfaction prospectively predict self- rated health, physical health, and the presence of limiting, long-term health conditions. American Journal of Health Promotion, 23, 18-26. doi: 10.4278/ajhp.061023137.

  • Suldo, S. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2004). Does life satisfaction moderate the effects of stressful life events on psychopathological behavior during adolescence? School Psychology Quarterly, 19, 93-105.doi: 10.1521/scpq.19.2.93.33313

  • Suldo, S. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2006). Is extremely high life satisfaction during adolescence advantageous? Social Indicators Research, 78, 179-203. doi: 10.1007/s11205-005-8208-2

  • Steinberg, L. (1993). Adolescence. New York: McGraw-Hill.

  • Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2001). Using multivariate statistics. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

  • Verkuyten, M., & Thijs, J. (2002). School satisfaction of elementary school children: The role of performance, peer relations, ethnicity and gender. Social Indicators Research, 59, 203-228. doi: 10.1023/A:1016279602893

  • Walker, C. O., & Greene, B. A. (2009). The relations between student motivational beliefs and cognitive engagement in high school. The Journal of Educational Research, 102, 463-471.doi: 10.3200/JOER.102.6.463

  • Way, N., & Robinson, M. G. (2003). A longitudinal study of the effects of family, friends, and school experiences on the psychological adjustment of ethnic minority, low-SES adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Research, 18(4), 324-346. doi: 10.1177/0743558403018004001

  • Wentzel, K. R. (1991). Relations between social competence and academic achievement in early adolescence. Child Development, 62, 1066-1078.

  • Wentzel, K. R., & Asher, S. R. (1995). The academic lives of the neglected, rejected, popular, and controversial children. Child Development, 66, 754-763.

  • Wilson, D. (2004). The interface of school climate and school connectedness and relationships with aggression and victimization. Journal of School Health, 74, 293-299.doi: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2004.tb08286.x

  • Wong, S. S., & Lim, T. (2009). Hope versus optimism in Singaporean adolescents: Contributions to depression and life satisfaction. Personality and Individual Differences, 46, 648-652.

  • Yiğit, R. (2012). Examination of relationship between self-esteem, life satisfaction of riot policemen and their approach to dealing with stress, KEFAD, 13(1), 61-75.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • Article Statistics