The Mediating Role of Academic Achievement in The Relationship Between Optimism (Life Orientation) and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

This article investigates whether academic achievement plays a mediating role in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction. The study was designed using the correlational survey method. Four hundered and thirty-five (215 females and 220 males) high school students were chosed as the particpants of the study. The mean age of the students was 16.21. The Optimism (Life Orientation) Scale and the Life Satisfaction Scale were used in the study, and the academic achievement grades of the students were obtained from the report card notes from the previous year. To test the mediating effect of the applied model, the regression-based bootstrapping method and the Pearson moment-product correlation coefficient were used. Results showed there was a relationship between optimism, academic achievement, and life satisfaction. Furthermore, it was found that academic achievement played a partial mediating role in the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction. It was also observed that as students’ optimistic thoughts increased, their academic achievement also increased, and consequently, they became more satisfied with life. The findings were discussed in general terms, and recommendations were made accordingly.