A predictive model of happiness among medical students
Identificadores
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12020/1188ISSN: 1046-1310
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01485-1
Autor/es
Daniel-González, Leopoldo; Moral-de la Rubia, José; Valle de la O, Adrián; Martínez-Martí, María Luisa; García-Cadena, Cirilo H.Fecha
2021Tipo de documento
articleÁrea/s de conocimiento
PsicologíaResumen
Currently, educational institutions value as an important goal to contribute to the achievement of happiness in their students. This study focuses on medical students in whom a high level of emotional wasting has been found. The objective of this study is to test a model to predict happiness. This model is based on predictors described by positive psychology and that are related to personal resources and dispositions. A non-experimental, cross-sectional design and a non-probabilistic sampling method were used. Six scales aimed at measuring seven variables (gratitude, optimism, resilience, self-esteem, supports received from friends and family, and happiness) were applied to a sample composed of 301 Mexican students in their first three years of medical school at a private university from Monterrey. Data were analyzed by path analysis. Maximum Likelihood estimation was used and Bias-Corrected Percentile confidence intervals were calculated. The model showed a close fit to the data. The supports received from family and friends, which were specified as exogenous variables, had a strong positive correlation. Both variables predicted greater level of gratitude. Greater level of gratitude predicted greater levels of optimism, self-esteem, and resilience. Greater level of optimism predicted greater level of self-esteem. In addition, greater level of self-esteem was predicted by greater level of friend support. Finally, greater levels of resilience, self-esteem, and friend support predicted greater level of happiness. It is concluded that resilience and self-esteem are personal resources necessary for attaining happiness, and the development of strategies (talks, workshops, programs, interventions, etc.) aimed at fostering resilience and self-esteem could contribute to bring about a positive university environment.