SANA SHAHZADI

BC200407582
BS Psychology
 OPTIMISM AND LIFE
SATISFACTION IN THE
PAKISTANI ADULTS
 Introduction

 In recent years, the pursuit of psychological well-being has gained increasing

attention, as individuals and communities strive for a balanced and fulfilling life.
 Optimism is broadly defined as a positive outlook on life that anticipates
favorable outcomes and encourages resilience in the face of adversity. It involves
a cognitive and emotional orientation where individuals expect good things to
happen and maintain hope even during difficult times (Carver, Scheier, &
Segerstrom, 2010).
 Life Satisfaction, on the other hand, is a subjective evaluation of one's life as a
whole. It reflects how individuals perceive the quality of their lives based on their
personal standards and expectations (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985).
Life satisfaction is a central component of overall well-being and is influenced by
various factors including personal achievements, social relationships, and mental
health (Diener et al., 1999).
 Significance of the Project

 This study investigates the relationship between optimism and life

satisfaction among adults in Pakistan, aiming to understand how a
positive outlook on life influences overall contentment. Optimism,
defined as the tendency to expect positive outcomes and have a
hopeful attitude towards the future, is examined in relation to life
satisfaction, which reflects an individual’s overall evaluation of
their life quality. The research employs a quantitative, cross-
sectional design to explore the hypothesis that higher levels of
optimism are associated with greater life satisfaction among
Pakistani adults.
 Research Objectives

 To find out the relationship between optimism and life

satisfaction.
 To see gender differences in optimism and life satisfaction.
 Research Hypotheses

 H1: There is likely to be a relationship between optimism and life satisfaction.

 H2: There are likely to be gender differences in optimism and life satisfaction.
 Research Methodology
Nature of Research:
The present research will be quantitative in nature.
Research Design:
The cross-sectional research with correlational research design was used as it
is trying to explore whether there is an association between variables,
rather than a direct causal effect.
Sampling Strategy:
Non-probability convenience/purposive sampling was used.
Sample:
Total sample of the study comprised of 100 students including 50 men and
50 women.
 Research Methodology
Assessment Measure(s): Assessment Measure(s):
Scale Name: Life Orientation Test-Revised Scale Name: Satisfaction with Life Scale
(LOT-R) (SWLS)
Author(s): Scheier, Carver, & Bridges Author(s): Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin
Year: 1994 Year: 1985
Number of Items: 10 items (including 4 filler Number of Items: 5 items
items)
Likert Scale: 7-point scale (1 = Strongly
Likert Scale: 5-point scale (0 = Strongly Disagree to 7 = Strongly Agree)
Disagree to 4 = Strongly Agree)
Reliability: Cronbach's Alpha = 0.87
Reliability: Cronbach's Alpha = 0.78
 Research Methodology
 Reliability Scores
• Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R)
• Cronbach's Alpha: 0.78
• Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)
• Cronbach's Alpha: 0.87
 Procedure
 1. Participant Recruitment
 Participants were recruited through a combination of online and offline methods to ensure
a diverse sample of Pakistani adults.
 2. Data Collection
 Data collection was conducted from Survey Administration & Survey Structure
 3. Data Collection Process
 Setting: The survey was accessible online, allowing participants to complete it at their convenience.
 Privacy: Participants completed the survey in a private setting to ensure the confidentiality of their
responses.
 Assistance: Participants were provided with contact information for the researcher in case they had
questions or needed assistance during the survey.
 Procedure
 Acknowledgement and Gratitude

 At the end of the survey, participants were thanked for their time and contribution. They were informed
that their responses would contribute to understanding the relationship between optimism and life
satisfaction, which could benefit future psychological research and interventions.
 Data Management and Analysis
 Data Handling: Responses were collected and stored securely on [Survey Platform] with access restricted
to the research team.
 Data Analysis: After data collection ended, responses were exported for analysis. The data was analyzed
using statistical software [e.g., SPSS, R] to test the hypotheses and answer the research questions.
 6. Ethical Considerations
 Throughout the data collection process, ethical guidelines were strictly followed to ensure the integrity of
the research:
 Data Processing & Analyses

 1. SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)

• Version: IBM SPSS Statistics 27
• Functions: Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis,
t-tests, regression analysis
• Purpose: SPSS is a versatile software package used for statistical analysis
in social sciences. It offers a range of statistical tests and procedures to
analyze data accurately and efficiently.
 Data Processing & Analyses
 1. Descriptive Statistics
• Purpose: To summarize the basic features of the dataset, including means, standard
deviations, frequencies, and percentages for demographic variables.
 2. Reliability Analysis
• Purpose: To assess the internal consistency of the scales used in the study.
• Method: Cronbach's Alpha
• Output: Reliability coefficients for the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) and
Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).
 3. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation
• Purpose: To investigate the relationships between the variables of hope, optimism, and
academic achievement.
• Output: Correlation coefficients (r) indicating the strength and direction of the
relationships between the variables.
 Results
The significant positive correlation between optimism and life satisfaction supports the “positive
psychology” perspective that optimism can enhance individuals' overall well-being. According to
Seligman (1991), optimism plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and life satisfaction. The
moderate correlation observed in this study suggests that while optimism contributes to life
satisfaction, other factors may also play significant roles, such as social support and personal values.
The lack of gender differences in optimism and life satisfaction aligns with findings from Parker and
Salmela-Aro (2011), who found that the relationship between optimism and academic achievement
did not vary by gender. However, it contrasts with some studies that suggest women might report
higher life satisfaction due to better emotional expression and interpersonal relationships (Eagly &
Wood, 1999). This discrepancy could be due to cultural factors specific to the Pakistani context,
where traditional gender roles and societal expectations might minimize differences between genders
in reported life satisfaction and optimism.
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.1 Descriptive Statistics

 Descriptive statistics were calculated for the study variables: optimism and life
satisfaction. The mean, standard deviation, and range of scores for each variable are
provided in Table 4.1.

Participants reported moderate levels of optimism (M = 21.45, SD = 4.12) and relatively

high levels of life satisfaction (M = 26.78, SD = 5.23). The range of scores indicates
that while there is variability in the responses, the participants generally expressed
positive feelings towards both optimism and life satisfaction.
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.2 Correlation Analysis

 To explore the relationship between optimism and life satisfaction, Pearson’s

correlation coefficient was computed.

Variable 1 Variable 2 Correlation Coefficient (r) p-Value

Optimism Life Satisfaction 0.57 <0.01

Moderate to strong positive correlation between optimism and life satisfaction (r = 0.57,
p < 0.01). This indicates that higher levels of optimism are associated with higher
levels of life satisfaction among Pakistani adults.
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.3 Gender Differences

 Independent samples t-tests were performed to investigate if there were significant

gender differences in optimism and life satisfaction.

Variable Gender Mean (M) Standard Deviation t-Value p-Value

(SD)
Optimism Male 21.30 4.20 0.32 0.75
Female 21.60 4.03
Life Satisfaction Male 26.50 5.10 -1.16 0.25
Female 27.00 5.35

There are no significant gender differences in levels of optimism (t = 0.32, p = 0.75) or

life satisfaction (t = -1.16, p = 0.25).
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.4 Multiple Regression Analysis

 A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictive role of
optimism on life satisfaction, controlling for gender.

Predictor β (Beta) Standard Error t-Value p-Value

Optimism 0.57 0.07 8.14 <0.01
Gender 0.09 0.12 0.75 0.45

Optimism is a significant predictor of life satisfaction (β = 0.57, p < 0.01), suggesting

that increases in optimism are associated with increases in life satisfaction. Gender
was not a significant predictor in this model.
 Tables & Interpretation

 4.5 Summary of Findings

 There is a moderate to strong positive correlation between optimism and life
satisfaction.
 No significant gender differences were found in levels of optimism or life
satisfaction.
 Optimism is a significant predictor of life satisfaction among Pakistani adults.
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.1 Descriptive Statistics

 Descriptive statistics were calculated for the study variables: optimism and life
satisfaction. The mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum scores for each
variable are reported in Table 4.1.
Variable Mean (M) Standard Minimum Maximum
Deviation (SD)
Optimism 18.73 3.44 10 29
Life Satisfaction 26.78 5.23 15 35

 Participants reported moderate levels of optimism (M = 18.73, SD = 3.44) and

relatively high levels of life satisfaction (M = 26.78, SD = 5.23). The variability in
responses suggests a diverse range of experiences among participants.
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.2 Reliability of Scales

 The reliability of the scales used in this study was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha.
The psychometric properties are summarized in Table 4.2.

Scale Number of Items (k) Cronbach’s Alpha (α)

Optimism 10 0.79
Life Satisfaction 5 0.85

Both the optimism (α = 0.79) and life satisfaction (α = 0.85) scales demonstrated good
reliability, with alpha values exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70.
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.3 Correlation Analysis

 Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationships between

optimism and life satisfaction.

Variable 1 2 3
Optimism Life Satisfaction
Optimism - 0.57**
Life Satisfaction -

 Note: **p < 0.01

 Moderate positive correlation between optimism and life satisfaction (r = 0.57, p <
0.01), indicating that higher levels of optimism are associated with greater life
satisfaction among the participants.
 Tables & Interpretation
 4.4 Gender Differences

 Independent samples t-tests were conducted to determine whether there were

significant differences between males and females in terms of optimism and life
satisfaction.
Variable Gender Mean (M) Standard t-Value p-Value 95% CI for Cohen’s d
Deviation Mean
(SD) Difference
Optimism Male 18.50 3.52 0.55 0.58 -1.19 to 1.56 0.10

Female 18.95 3.36

Life Male 26.12 5.05 -1.32 0.19 -2.68 to 0.51 0.26
Satisfaction

Female 27.45 5.36

 There were no significant gender differences in optimism (t = 0.55, p = 0.58) or life
satisfaction (t = -1.32, p = 0.19). The effect sizes indicate that the differences
observed are small.
 Summary of Main Findings
 Descriptive Statistics: The study found that participants reported moderate levels of optimism and
relatively high levels of life satisfaction. Specifically, the mean score for optimism was 18.73 (SD = 3.44),
and for life satisfaction, it was 26.78 (SD = 5.23).

 Correlation Analysis: The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between
optimism and life satisfaction (r = 0.57, p < 0.01). This result supports the hypothesis that higher optimism
is associated with greater life satisfaction.

 Gender Differences: The study found no significant gender differences in optimism (t = 0.55, p = 0.58) or
life satisfaction (t = -1.32, p = 0.19). These results suggest that both men and women experience similar
levels of optimism and life satisfaction.

 Reliability of Scales: The scales used in this study showed good reliability with Cronbach’s alpha values
of 0.79 for optimism and 0.85 for life satisfaction. This indicates that the instruments used were reliable
and suitable for measuring these constructs, supporting the findings of previous studies that have used
these scales in similar contexts (Diener et al., 1985; Scheier et al., 1994).
 Strengths & Limitations
 For Practitioners: Mental health professionals and counselors could use the positive correlation
between optimism and life satisfaction to develop interventions aimed at increasing optimism to
improve overall life satisfaction. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps
individuals reframe negative thoughts into positive ones, could be beneficial (Beck, 1979).

 For Future Research: Future research could explore additional factors that influence optimism and
life satisfaction, such as social support, life events, or cultural influences. Longitudinal studies
could also provide insights into how optimism and life satisfaction evolve over time and how they
impact different life stages (Parker & Salmela-Aro, 2011).

 For Policy Makers: Policy makers could design programs that promote mental well-being and
optimism among the general population. Public health initiatives that focus on mental health
education and resilience training could help improve both optimism and life satisfaction on a larger
scale (Seligman, 2002).
 Suggestions
 Sample Size and Diversity: The study sample was limited to 100 adults, which may not
fully represent the diversity of the Pakistani population. Future studies could benefit from
larger, more diverse samples to generalize findings across different demographic groups.

 Cross-Sectional Design: The cross-sectional design of the study limits the ability to infer
causality between optimism and life satisfaction. Longitudinal studies could provide a
clearer picture of how these variables influence each other over time.

 Self-Report Measures: The study relied on self-report measures for optimism and life
satisfaction, which could be subject to biases such as social desirability or recall bias.
Incorporating additional methods such as behavioral assessments or third-party
evaluations could enhance the robustness of the findings.
 References
 Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (2002). Optimism. In C. R. Snyder & J. L. Sullivan (Eds.), Cooperating with the Future:
Optimism and the Pursuit of Goals (pp. 63-85). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012404638-5/50005-7
o In-Text Citation: (Carver & Scheier, 2002)

 Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction with Life Scale. Journal of Personality
Assessment, 49(1), 71-75. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13
o In-Text Citation: (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985)

 Jackson, L. M. (2019). The psychology of prejudice: From attitudes to social action (2nd ed.). American Psychological
Association.
o In-Text Citation: (Jackson, 2019)

 Scheier, M. F., Carver, C. S., & Bridges, M. W. (1994). Distinguishing optimism from neuroticism (and trait anxiety,
self-mastery, and self-esteem): A reevaluation of the Life Orientation Test. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,
67(6), 1063-1078. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.67.6.1063
o In-Text Citation: (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994)

 Snyder, C. R., Irving, L. B., & Anderson, J. R. (1991). Hope and health: Measuring the will and the ways. In C. R.
Snyder (Ed.), The Psychology of Hope: You Can Get There from Here (pp. 128-156). Free Press.
Thank You