Life Satisfaction: The Role of Happiness and Optimism Among Young Adults

Abstract

Aim: Life satisfaction (LS) is a term used to describe how people communicate their feelings, sentiments (moods), and perspectives on their potential futures (Ritter, 2003). The tendency to expect the best and see the bright side of things is a common definition of optimism (Schneider & Carver, 1985). Happiness is defined as the experiencing of more frequently happy emotional emotions than negative ones, as well as the impression that one is moving toward significant life goals (Tkach & Lyubomirsky, 2006). This study sought to examine young individuals' levels of life satisfaction, optimism, and happiness. Methods: The study was conducted on 120 young adults aged 18 to 24 years, out of which 60 were females and 60 were males, through purposive sampling techniques. Satisfaction With Life Scales (Dinner, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin in 1985), Life Orientation Test (Carver, 2013), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (Michael Agryel &Peter Hills 2002) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by using one way ANOVA, mean, standard deviation and Pearson product moment correlation. Result: Result of the study shows that there is no significant difference in the level of life satisfaction, optimism and happiness among young adults across their gender. There is a significant relationship (Positive Correlation) between happiness and life satisfaction among young adults, There is a significant relationship (Positive Correlation) between optimism and life satisfaction among young adults.