Family acceptance and life satisfaction among undergraduates: Moderating role of significant others social support

Abstract

The ecological social theory and the relational regulation theory assumed that the interaction between the different resources in the micro system (family acceptance and significant others social support) may explain how life satisfaction is sustained among the individuals. In the current study, this assumption is tested among 120 undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Ages of the participants were 20 to 27 years (M = 22.4years, SD =2.07). Three scales were used to collect data for the study: Perceived Acceptance Scale- Family (PAS-F); Significant Others Social Support Scale (SOSSS); and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SwLS). The study adapted a predictive correlation design and the hypotheses were tested with moderated regression analysis. The result showed that both family acceptance and significant others social support predicted life satisfaction. The interaction term of family acceptance and significant others social support significantly predicted life satisfaction. It was suggested that enhanced programs that promote synergy between family and other institutions can promote life satisfaction.