The Impact of Dispositional Optimism and Self-determination on Wellbeing of Job Seeker Young Adults

Abstract

The present study aimed to find out that 1) dispositional optimism and self-determination are positively related to well-being in job seekers young adults, and 2) to find out the predicting role of dispositional optimism and self-determination in determining the well-being of job seekers. The study was based on a correlational research design. A purposive sample of 192 job seekers young adults aged 19 to 27 years (M =22, SD=1.25) was taken as a sample. The sample consisted of 91 men and 101 women from four different universities in Lahore. Urdu versions of the Life orientation test-revised (Scheier et al., 1985), Self-determination scale (Deci & Ryan, 2000), Mental health continuum short-form (Keyes & Ryff, 1998) and self-constructed demographic information sheet were used for assessment. The results showed that dispositional optimism, self-determination, and well-being are positively related to young job seekers. Further, dispositional optimism and self-determination were found as positive predictors of well-being in job-seeking young adults. Further, the results also indicated that men have higher social well-being as compared to women. The limitations and suggestions are also discussed.