Hope and life satisfaction in elementary school students: Mediation role of affective experiences

Abstract

Life satisfaction is an important indicator of quality life of students. The aim of this study is to examine the mediation effect of positive and negative affect on the link between hope and life satisfaction in elementary school students. The sample consisted of 436 (204 female and 232 male) Turkish early adolescents recruited from among elementary school students in Turkey. Students were between 12 and 15 years (M = 13, SD = .84). Data were collected using the Children’s Hope Scale, Positive and Negative Experience Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. The results indicated that hope positively predicted positive affect and satisfaction with life and negatively predicted negative affect. The structural equation model results showed that positive and negative affect partially mediated the relationship between hope and satisfaction with life. The study results showed that hope and positive emotions are an important factor for the life satisfaction of Turkish elementary school students. The practical implications and limitations of the present study are discussed.