Exploration of the differences in positive-negative psychological factors influencing the life satisfaction and depression of college students by gender and family economic level

Soo-Koung Jun,In-Suk Jung

doi:10.21833/ijaas.2022.04.011

Abstract

This study identifies the factors affecting life satisfaction and depression of Korean college students and analyzes the differences between gender and family economic level in positive (self-esteem, ego-resilience, self-identity, life satisfaction) and negative emotions (attention deficit, aggression, depression, social withdrawal). The data from the 7th year of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) conducted by the Korea Youth Policy Research Institute (KCYPS) with a total of 2,351 university students were used, and finally, 1220 subjects were selected. The statistical analysis methods of T-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis were utilized with SPSS 23. The male students had significantly higher positivity than female students except for attention deficit. Those who said that they had a higher family economic background had significantly higher positive emotions and lower negative emotions except social withdrawal. Aggression had the greatest influence on depression, and the higher the satisfaction of life and self-esteem, the lower the depression. In terms of life satisfaction, self-esteem and self-resilience were identified as positive factors and depression as a negative factor. In other words, to increase the life satisfaction of college students, an intervention program to increase self-esteem and lower depression will be needed.

Highlights

Studies have shown that demographic variables play a very small role with respect to life satisfaction among adolescents (Proctor et al, 2009)
This study aims to find the current psychological status of college students, to examine the differences of positive and negative psychological factors, and to explore the psychological factors affecting the life satisfaction and depression of college students
This study used the data from the Korea Child and Youth Survey (KCYPS) and screened the data of college students

Summary

Introduction

Studies have shown that demographic variables (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status) play a very small role with respect to life satisfaction among adolescents (Proctor et al, 2009). Studies that have found gender differences generally report that boys score higher in life satisfaction than girls (Goldbeck et al, 2007). Life satisfaction is a central construct with respect to other emotional, social, and behavioral constructs (Proctor et al, 2009). Socioeconomic status including income and educational level has a moderate effect on life satisfaction (Dubois and Tevendale, 1999; Moksnes and Espnes, 2013). Among the factors influencing life satisfaction, there are self-concept and self-esteem, especially for adolescents and early adult college students. There are many kinds of research that self-esteem significantly gives an influence on mental health and life satisfaction (Moksnes and Espnes, 2013).

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Conclusion