[Correlation between perceived social support and loneliness with life satisfaction Among Students of Golestan university of medical sciences]

ABSTRACT

Human being is embedded with a variety of relationships. Satisfactory social support is crucial for having physical and psychological wellbeing. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between perceived social support and loneliness with life satisfaction. In this cross-sectional study, 226 students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected. They were assessed using demographic questions, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Loneliness Scale. Using SPSS [16] software and Pearson correlation test, the data were analyzed. 120 male and 106 female students filled the questionnaires. 91% of the students were single and 95% were residents of university dormitories. There was a significant correlation between life satisfaction with loneliness in the subjects [p<0.05]. Higher social support from the family and friends was correlated with more life satisfaction and less loneliness [p<0.05]. Findings suggest that, appropriate social support can reduce loneliness and increase life satisfaction. It is also one of the wellbeing predictors. Therefore, the universities should provide strategies to facilitate social support from family and the significant others. Empowerment of the students by teaching social communication skills may also be helpful