Satisfacción con la vida como factor protector de la salud mental en estudiantes de Universidades públicas del Ecuado

Abstract

Abstract: Satisfaction with life (SWLS) is a construct little explored in the field of clinical psychology and in a young population. Therefore, we proposed to evaluate the relationship between satisfaction with life and mental health indicators (depression, perceived stress and psychological inflexibility) in students of public universities in Ecuador. The sample consisted of 2,000 university students, 57.1% were women and 42.9% men, the average age was 21.54 years. The instruments used were: Life Satisfaction Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. The results indicate that Satisfaction with Life correlates significantly, negatively and highly with depression (Rho=-0.471 p<0.01), perceived stress (Rho=-0.492 p<0.01) and psychological inflexibility (Rho=-0.451 p<0. 01); empirically verifying that SWLS is a protective factor of mental health, therefore, it is recommended that this research be taken into account for the elaboration of promotion, prevention and primary therapeutic intervention programs oriented to the development of the capacities, strengths and virtues of university students.