The Impact of Optimism on Life Satisfaction, Psychological Well-being, and Happiness: The Mediating Role of Resilience

Abstract

Optimism defined as the expectation of favorable outcomes in the future is associated with an improved subjective well-being although mechanisms are still important to clarify. This study investigated the impact of optimism on life satisfaction, psychological well-being and happiness and used resilience as a mediator among young adults. Data was gathered from 300 university and young adult subjects aged 18 - 30 years (female = 54%). Standardized measures were used by participants, including Life Orientation Test-Revised, Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale, and Subjective Happiness Scale. Analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlations, regression and mediation testing. Internal consistency was high (α = .85-.89) between scales and resilience, level of optimism, and level of well-being was at a moderate to high level. Optimism was significantly positively associated with resilience (r = .52, p < .01), life satisfaction (r = .48, p < .01), psychological well-being (r = .46, p < .01) and happiness (r = .51, p < .01). Regression models showed that optimism predicted life satisfaction (β = .48, p = .001), psychological well-being (β = .46, p = .001) and happiness (β = .51, p = .001). Mediation analyses revealed optimism was a predictive factor of resilience, resilience was predictive of each outcome, and indirect effects were significant, which in turn supported resilience as a mediator. These results show that interventions to boost optimism and resilience may improve young adults' well-being; but causality is limited because of the cross-sectional study design.

Keywords: Optimism, Life Satisfaction, Psychological Well-being, Happiness, Resilience, Mediation, Young Adults