The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Life Satisfaction among Undergraduate Students in a Private University, Kuala Lumpur

Lee, Amelia Zhi Ching and How, Pui Kuan (2023) The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Life Satisfaction among Undergraduate Students in a Private University, Kuala Lumpur. Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Life Satisfaction. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and life satisfaction (LS) among undergraduate students in a Private University, Kuala Lumpur. The present cross-sectional study included 205 (114 females and 91 males) Malaysian undergraduate students aged 18 to 25. The participants completed an online survey consisting of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Pearson correlation and Independent Sample t-Test were conducted to analyse all the collected data. Result from Pearson Correlation showed that there is a significant positive relationship between PSS and LS. The strength of the relationship is moderate. The result from Independent Sample t-Test revealed that there is a significant gender difference for family support between males and females. Male undergraduate students perceived a higher level of social support from family than female undergraduate students. Overall, the findings from the present study highlighted the importance of social support in enhancing LS among undergraduate students in Kuala Lumpur. Hence, the collaborative efforts from universities and other relevant departments are crucial to enhance the PSS and LS among undergraduate students. With that being said, university educators should highlight the importance of having a healthy social relationship to all undergraduate students through awareness campaigns or workshops. Aside from that, university counsellors may also bring in counselling programs related to social support such as relationship programs to explore the social support system among undergraduate students.