Flourishing: A Cross-Sectional Study on Academic Achievement in the Students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Abstract

Background: Flourishing is a psychological construct that refers to the type of living together with permanent happiness in human functions. Individuals with high levels of flourishing are aware of their abilities, keen on progress, and considered beneficial community members. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the flourishing status and its association with academic achievement in the students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 295 students at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2018. The students were selected via simple random sampling with proportional probability to size. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation-coefficient at the significance of 95%. Results: The mean age of the students was 22.92 ± 2.47 years (range: 18 - 30 years). The mean score of flourishing was 39.93 ± 8.73 (score range: 8 - 56), which indicated that the participants received 71.3% of the maximum score of flourishing. In addition, the score of flourishing was significantly higher in the female students compared to the males (P = 0.046) and had a positive, significant correlation with academic achievement (r = 0.197; P = 0.002). Conclusions: Considering the more favorable status of flourishing in the female students, it is recommended that educational programs be developed and implemented for the promotion of flourishing by focusing on male students.