Predictors of Subjective Wellbeing in Students of Medical Sciences: The Role of Orientation to Happiness and Life Goals

Objective: Subjective wellbeing is a personal experience that points at high levels of positive affections and life satisfaction. The relationship between happiness and life goals with subjective wellbeing provides useful insight into the prerequisites of wellbeing. This study aimed to determine the role of orientation to happiness and life goals in predicting subjective wellbeing. Methods: Using a cluster sampling method, 285 students were selected studying at first- and second-year of education at Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2016-2017. The participants responded to the questionnaires of life satisfaction, positive and negative affections, orientation to happiness, and life goals. The obtained data were analyzed using canonical correlation model. Results: Four significant canonical functions were identified. The first function showed that the orientation to meaning and engagement was associated with a high level of life satisfaction and wellbeing. The second function revealed that the orientation to pleasure was used along with positive and negative emotions. The third function showed that the intrinsic goals were in line with higher life satisfaction. The last function indicated a direct relationship between extrinsic goals with positive and negative affections. Conclusion: Orientation to meaning and engagement as well as the development of intrinsic goals increases the level of life satisfaction and results in wellbeing.