EFFECT OF OPTIMISM ON RESILIENCE AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

The present study examined the effect of optimism on resilience and life satisfaction among college students. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive–correlational design was adopted for the study. The sample consisted of 120 college students aged between 18 and 25 years, selected using a simple random sampling technique from colleges in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected using standardized tools, namely the Life Orientation Test–Revised (LOT–R), Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Pearson product–moment correlation and simple linear regression analyses were employed to analyze the data. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between optimism and resilience (r = .54, p < .01) and between optimism and life satisfaction (r = .49, p < .01). Regression analysis further indicated that optimism significantly predicted resilience (R² =0.29) and life satisfaction (R² =0.24). The findings suggest that optimism plays a significant role in enhancing resilience and life satisfaction among college students. The study highlights the importance of promoting optimism as a psychological strength to improve well-being among college students.