The mediating role of self‐esteem in the relationship between hope and life satisfaction among university students during a global health crisis
Author(s)
Chan, Stephen Cheong Yu
Author(s)
Huang, Q. L.
Date Issued
2024
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons
Journal
Health Science Reports
Volume
7
Issue
8
Abstract
Background and Aims
The worldwide health emergency sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply shaken educational environments, posing unprecedented challenges to university students’ well-being. While individual links between self-esteem, hope, and well-being are established, their combined impacts during crises remain underexplored. Our study addresses this gap by investigating the interplay among hope, self-esteem, and life satisfaction within the context of university students navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Methods
Conducting an online cross-sectional self-administered survey during Hong Kong's third pandemic wave, we measured hope, self-esteem, and life satisfaction using validated scales. Three hundred and fifteen university students (211 females; mean age = 22.08; SD = 2.74) participated.
Results
Through multiple regression and mediation analyses, our findings indicate that university students with elevated hope and self-esteem scored higher on life satisfaction measures. Specifically, our analysis revealed that self-esteem may serve as a partial mediator in the relationship between hope and life satisfaction, highlighting how heightened hope indirectly enhances life satisfaction by strengthening self-esteem.
Conclusion
This study reveals intricate relationships among hope, self-esteem, and life satisfaction in university students, particularly during external adversities like the COVID-19 pandemic. The implications extend to mental health interventions, emphasizing the potential benefits of cultivating hope and self-esteem to enhance life satisfaction among university students confronting formidable challenges.
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes
Availability at SFU Library
No database links found.