Research Article

Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study

Volume: 15 Number: 59 April 15, 2015
TR EN

Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study

Abstract

Problem Statement: A literature analysis revealed that contact disturbances, self-esteem and life satisfaction have been examined in different studies separately. In particular, the researchers observed that the studies conducted on Gestalt contact disturbances are limited in number. In this study, the variables of contact disturbances, self-esteem and life satisfaction have been examined all together, and their correlations with one another will be examined though path analysis in the structural equality model.

Purpose of Study: The aim of the study is to test the model developed in order to determine whether there is a causal relationship among contact disturbances, self-esteem and life satisfaction of university students.

Method: This study utilised a qualitative and relational model to examine the correlations among variables. Data for the study was collected through the Gestalt Contact Disturbances Scale, the Short Form of Coopersmith’s Self-Esteem Inventory and the Life Satisfaction Scale. The data were analysed using SPSS and LISREL programs. Students in the research group were composed of a total of 414 students (290 females and 124 males) studying in various departments of the faculty of education of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University.

Findings: The standardised path values were found to be 0.18 and 0.75 between the contact disturbances potential variables and self-esteem, and 0.61 between the self-esteem potential variable and the life satisfaction potential variable. When the model was tested it was observed that statistically significant correlations were present between contact level and self-esteem (t = -3.42, p<.05), full contact level and self-esteem (t = -8.96, p<.05), dependent contact level and self-esteem (t = 3.14, p<.05), post-contact level and self-esteem (t = 2.35, p<.05), and self-esteem and life satisfaction (t = 8.81, p<.05).

Conclusion and Suggestions: The structural model developed based on the causal correlations between contact disturbances, self-esteem and life satisfaction was verified. The researcher also observed that the fit indices of the structural model developed generally met the acceptance value conditions; t values of correlations among all values were significant. Researchers can develop models by using Gestalt contact disturbances and different concepts and can carry out comparative studies by examining Gestalt contact disturbances of different ages and professional groups. Furthermore, psychological counsellors who apply Gestalt therapy can use the Gestalt contact disturbances scale in their studies.

Keywords

References

  1. Bandalos, D. L., & Finney, S. J. (2001). Item parceling issues in structural equation modeling. In M. G. A. & S. R. E. (Eds.), New developments and techniques in structural equation modeling. Baumeister, R.F., Campbell, J.D., Krueger,J.I. & Vohs,K.D.(2003) Does high self-esteem cause better performance, interpersonal success,happiness, or healthier lifestyles?, American Psychological Society, 4(1):1-44. Brown, J. R. (2004) Conflict emotions and appreciation of differances, Gestalt review 8 (3), 323-335. Chow, H. P. (2005). Life satisfaction among university students in a Canadian prairie city: a multivariate analysis. Social Indicators Research, 70, 139–150. Clarkson, P. (1994). Gestalt counselling in action. Londra: Sage Publications. Coopersmith, S. (1974). The Antecedents of Self-esteem. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman Diener, E., & Diener, M. (1995). Cross-cultural correlates of life satisfaction and self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 68, 653–663.Fennell M. (1997). Low self-esteem: A cognitive perspective. Behav Cognitive Psychother, 25, 1–25. Göregenli, M. (1997). Individualist and collectivist tendencies in a Turkish sample. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 28, 787–794. Güloğlu, B., Karaırmak, Ö. (2010). Üniversite öğrencilerinde yalnızlığın yordayıcısı olarak benlik saygısı ve psikolojik sağlamlık [Self Esteem and Psychological Resilience as Predicting of Loneliness in University Students ], Aegean Educational Sciences Journal, 11(2): 73-88. Hagtvet, K. A., & Nasser, F. M. (2004). How Well Do Item Parcels Represent Conceptually Defined Latent Constructs? A Two-Facet Approach. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 11(2), 168-193. doi: 10.1207/s15328007sem1102_2. Hamarta, E., Arslan, Ç., Saygın, Y. & Özyeşil, Z. (2009) Benlik saygısı ve akılcı olmayan inançlar bakımından üniversite öğrencilerinin stresle başa çıkma yaklaşımlarının analizi. [An analysis of approaches for overcoming stress in university students from the perspective of self-esteem and irrational beliefs]. Values Education Journal, 7 (18): 25-42. Hortaçsu, N. (1997). Cross-cultural comparison of need importance and need satisfaction during adolescents: Turkey and the United States. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 158, 287-297. Jacobs, S. (2007). The implementation of Humour as deflective technique in contact boundary disturbance. Master of Diaconiologh, Universty of South Africa Kahriman, İ. (2005). Karadeniz teknik üniversitesi Trabzon sağlık yüksekokulu öğrencilerinin benlik saygıları ve atılganlık düzeylerinin bazı değişkenler açısından incelenmesi, C.Ü Sağlık Meslek Yüksekokulu Dergisi, 9(1):24-32. Kapıkıran, Ş. (2013). Loneliness and life satisfaction in Turkish early adolescents: the mediating role of self esteem and social support, Soc Indic Res, 111:617–632. Kepner, J.I (1982) Questionnaire measurement of personality styles from the theory of gestalt therapy. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Kent State University , Ohio. Kirchner, M. (2000). Gestalt therapy theory: An overwiew. Journal of Gestalt Therapy 4, (3). Kirkpatric, K.L.(2005). Enhancing self compassion using a Gestalt two-chair intervention Doctor of philosopy, the University of Texas at Austin. Kong, F., Zhao, J., You, X. (2013). Self-esteem as mediator and moderator of the relationship between social support and subjective well-being among chinese university students, Soc Indic Res, 112:151–161 Köker, S.(1991). [Normal ve sorunlu ergenlerin yaşam doyumu düzeyinin karşılaştırılması]. A comparison of life satisfaction levels of normal and problematic adolescents. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Ankara University, Institute of Social Sciences, Ankara. Latner, J. (1992). The theory of gestalt therapy. Gestalt Institute of Cleveland Pres. Perls, F.S. (1973). Gestalt approach eye witness to therapy science and behaviour. United States of America Books:Inc. Pişkin, M. (1996). Self- esteem and locus of control of secondary school children both in England and Turkey. Unpublished doc¬toral disertation, University of Leicester, Leicester. Rey, L., Extremera, N., Pena, M. (2011). Perceived emotional intelligence, self-esteem and life satisfaction in adolescents, Psychosocial Intervention, 20 (2), p. 227-234 Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent: Self-image. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Sam, N., Sam, R. & Öngen, B. (2010) Üniversite öğrencilerinin çevresel tutumlarının yeni çevresel paradigma ve benlik saygısı ölçeği ile incelenmesi. [An analysis of environmental attitudes of university students with a new environmental paradigm and a self-esteem scale]. Academic Perspective Journal, No 21. Savi-Çakar, F. & Karataş, Z. (2012) Ergenlerin benlik saygısı, algıladıkları sosyal destek ve umutsuzluk düzeyleri: bir yapısal eşitlik modeli çalışması. [The self-esteem, perceived social support and hopelessness in adolescents: the structural equation modeling]. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice - 12(4), 2397-2412. Sills, C., Finch, S., ve Lapworth, P. (1998). Gestalt counselling. United Kingdom: Winslow Press Limited. Spagnuolo-Lobb, S. M. (2005) Classical gestalt therapy theory (Ed: Woldt & Toman) Gestalt therapy history theory and practise (pp 21-41), California: Sage Publications. Sümer, N. (2000). Yapısal eşitlik modelleri (Structural equality models: Basic Concepts and Practical Samples). Turkish Psychology Lectures, 3 (6) 49–74. Şimşek, Ö. F. (2007). Introduction to Structural Equality Modelling, Basic Principles and LISREL Applications. Ankara: Ekinoks Publications. Tagay, Ö. (2010a). Üniversite öğrencilerinin temas engellerinin bazı değişkenler açısından incelenmesi [Studying of the gestalt contact disturbances of university students according to some variables]. Journal of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Education Faculty, 10 (9), 71-86.
  2. Tagay, Ö. (2010b). Gestalt temas engelleri ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi ve üniversite öğrencilerinin temas engellerinin incelenmesi. [Developing gestalt contact disturbances scale and studying of the gestalt contact disturbances of university students], Doctoral Dissertation, Hacettepe University, Institute of Social Sciences. Tagay, Ö., Voltan-Acar, N. (2012a). Gestalt temas engelleri ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi. [Developing gestalt contact disturbances scale]. Turkish Journal of Psychology Counseling and Guidance, 4 (37), 61-72. Tagay, Ö., Voltan-Acar, N. (2012b) Contact disturbances and the contact cycle in gestalt therapy according to Turkish culture, Gestalt Journal of Australia and New Zealand 9 (1): 20-32. Tatlıdil, H. (1992). Uygulamalı Çok Değişkenli İstatistik. [Applied Multi-Variable Statistic]. Academy Printing House, Ankara 85- 89 Wilson, M.S., Peterson, W.G., (1988). Life satisfaction among young adults from rural families. Family Relations, 37, 84-91. Veenhoven, R. (1996). Is happiness relative? Social Indicators Research, 24, 1-34. Voltan-Acar, N. (2006). Ne kadar farkındayım? [How much am I aware]? Gestalt therapy. Ankara: Nobel Pres. Zhang, L. (2005). Prediction of Chinese life satisfaction: contribution of collective self-esteem. International Journal of Psychology, 40(3), 189–200

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

-

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 15, 2015

Submission Date

April 15, 2015

Acceptance Date

-

Published in Issue

Year 2015 Volume: 15 Number: 59

APA
Tagay, Ö. (2015). Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 15(59), 113-132. https://izlik.org/JA34AK52WE
AMA
1.Tagay Ö. Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research. 2015;15(59):113-132. https://izlik.org/JA34AK52WE
Chicago
Tagay, Özlem. 2015. “Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study”. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research 15 (59): 113-32. https://izlik.org/JA34AK52WE.
EndNote
Tagay Ö (April 1, 2015) Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research 15 59 113–132.
IEEE
[1]Ö. Tagay, “Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study”, Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, vol. 15, no. 59, pp. 113–132, Apr. 2015, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA34AK52WE
ISNAD
Tagay, Özlem. “Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study”. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research 15/59 (April 1, 2015): 113-132. https://izlik.org/JA34AK52WE.
JAMA
1.Tagay Ö. Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research. 2015;15:113–132.
MLA
Tagay, Özlem. “Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study”. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, vol. 15, no. 59, Apr. 2015, pp. 113-32, https://izlik.org/JA34AK52WE.
Vancouver
1.Özlem Tagay. Contact Disturbances, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of University Students: A Structural Equation Modelling Study. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research [Internet]. 2015 Apr. 1;15(59):113-32. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA34AK52WE