Effect of Perceived Social Support on Life Satisfaction of University Students

The purpose of the present study was to study the effects of perceived social support on the life satisfaction of university students. Gender differences of perceived social support and life satisfaction, among the participants were also investigated. The sample for the present study consisted of total of 100 male and female postgraduate students from four different departments of University of Delhi. The Perceived Social Support scales by Procidano & Heller and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) by Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin (1985) were administered to the participants. Results indicated no gender differences in perceived social support from family but a significant difference was found out for the perceived social support from friends. Also, it was found that female university students have a higher satisfaction with life as compared to male university students. Finally, the findings revealed that higher the levels of perceived social support from family and friends, the higher the life satisfaction. These findings will be useful in assisting educators, counselors, psychologist, and researchers to develop strategies to increase perceived social support in the students thereby enhancing their satisfaction with life.

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