Positive affection and self esteem in college students: The moderating role of college satisfaction and college belonging

Abstract

In this study, the relations among positive affection, self esteem, college satisfaction and belonging were examined in college students. The moderating effects of both college satisfaction and college belonging on the relationship between self esteem and positive affection in college students were tested. The participants consisted of 485 college students, from a public university in Turkey. The data were obtained using Positive Affection Scale, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and personal information form. In the analysis of the data, hierarchical regression analyses, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U were administered. Findings indicated that college satisfaction had a moderating role on the relationship between self esteem and positive affection. However, college belonging did not moderate the relationship between self esteem and positive affection. In addition, students with high college satisfaction and belonging reported higher scores in positive affection and self esteem than those with low college satisfaction and belonging. Findings have been discussed in terms of their implications for student adjustment in college.