Does Career Adaptability Serve as a Mediator between Optimism and Life Satisfaction?

Abstract

Higher education is a transition period between the world of education and the world of work. During this period, undergraduate students experience various life problems related to the future and feelings of uncertainty in life, giving rise to worry and discomfort in life. This condition can affect undergraduate student life satisfaction. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect optimism on life satisfaction through the mediation of career adaptability in undergraduate students. The participants of this research were 250 undergraduate students (L=63, P=187), with a mean of 20.36. We used a convenience sampling technique to select the participants. The instruments used were CAAS (24 items; α = .94), SWLS 5 items; α = .88), and SOM (7 items; α = .78). The results of the analysis show that the indirect effect of optimism to life satisfaction through career adaptability (loading factor=.06, t-value=1.23), t-value≤1.96, was not significant. This means the hypothesis was not supported. Career adaptability does not serve as an intermediary in the correlation between optimism and life satisfaction. However, the findings in this study does highlight that optimism has a significant effect on career adaptability and life satisfaction. Thus, to increase optimism in undergraduate students, improving their ability to face various career challenges and increase life satisfaction is highly recommended.