A predictive model of happiness among medical students

Abstract

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.