Investigation of the Mediating Role of Hope and Self-Respect in the Relationship between Life Satisfaction and Emotional Intelligence among University Students

Abstract

A satisfactory degree of life satisfaction is of great importance in developing an optimistic perception about the events and problems encountered throughout life, being satisfied with life, and leading a peaceful life. Important predictors of life satisfaction include self-respect, emotional intelligence, and hope. In this context, this study was primarily conducted to examine the mediating role played by hope and self-respect in the correlation between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction in undergraduate students. Also, we aimed to examine the correlation between the variables of life satisfaction, hope, emotional intelligence, and self-respect. In this quantitative study, correlational analysis and causal-comparative research were used. The sample of the study included 819 university students. The "Original Form of Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale 33-TR," the "Life Satisfaction Scale," the "State Hope Scale," and the "Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale" were utilized as data collection tools. Data analysis involved Pearson’s correlation and path analysis. Analyses showed significant relationships between the variables of hope, self-respect, life satisfaction, and emotional intelligence. Also, direct and indirect effects were found between that the variables. Finally, it was concluded that the correlation between life satisfaction and emotional intelligence was mediated significantly by hope and self-respect. The research findings were interpreted and discussed in the light of the relevant literature.