Psychological Antecedents of Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Life satisfaction is exceptionally important for people, so that in-depth research of psychological antecedents that can be associated with this psychological phenomenon is needed. In particular, those psychological characteristics that can be improved and developed need priority attention. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which psychological well-being, hardiness, sense of coherence, and self-efficacy can be associated with life satisfaction. The study included 207 participants (29 men and 178 women) aged from 18 to 68 years (M = 34.1, SD = 11.8). Results of correlation and multiple regression analyses showed that the most important antecedent of life satisfaction was self-acceptance. This indicator of psychological well-being had the strongest correlations with both indicators of life satisfaction used in the study – satisfaction with life and subjective happiness, and also entered the first place in both highly informative prognostic models built for these indicators. Also, three more indicators were included in these prognostic models: one more indicator of psychological well-being – autonomy, one indicator of hardiness - control, and self-efficacy. In addition to them, environmental mastery, purpose in life, commitment and challenge acceptance also had expressed associations with life satisfaction. Our findings deepened current understanding regarding influence of psychological antecedents on a person’s life satisfaction. They can be used to help a person achieve life satisfaction through development of appropriate psychological characteristics.