Can We Determine Our Own Happiness? Core Self-Evaluation as Related to Job and Relationship Satisfaction

Abstract

College is a double-edged sword in that it is often seen as a time of newfound freedom and fun, but also described as a core source of stress. Considerable research suggests that one’s tolerance to stress is directly related to personality factors that determine general life satisfaction. However, evidence suggests core self-evaluation, a personality factor consisting of self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus of control, and emotional stability, is linked to not just general life satisfaction, but specific types of life satisfaction, such as one’s job. This study utilizes a survey to examine the relationship between core self-evaluation and college satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and coping skills among 161 college students. I find statistical significance in between all three relationships - core self-evaluation being positively related to job and relationship satisfaction and coping skills – and discuss the possible reasons behind why. These findings not only help to shed light on a new personality variable that can determine satisfaction, but also offer insight into how internal factors can manifest in one’s everyday life.