Happiness and Life Satisfaction among University Students in Malaysia: A Scoping
10.17576/JSKM-2025-2302-06
- Author:
David Eu Han Kung
1
;
Affizal Ahmad
1
Author Information
1. Speech Pathology Programme, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
University students;
Malaysia;
happiness;
life satisfaction
- From:Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences
2025;23(No.2):55-66
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Being a university student can be challenging. As such, it is imperative to gain insight into the positive psychology
of university students. In this paper, happiness and life satisfaction among university students in Malaysia are
reviewed accordingly. Two research questions were highlighted, that is, (i) factors affecting happiness and (ii)
factors affecting life satisfaction. The review was conducted using a framework suggested by Arksey and O’Maley
(2005). EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and Scopus electronic databases were searched for published articles from
2000 to 2021. A total of 588 titles were extracted from electronic databases. After considering inclusion criteria
and research questions, 19 articles were selected for review. Happiness was found to have positive relations with
social skills, psychological well-being attributes, problem-solving skills, parental home involvement, religious
commitment, and religiosity. Factors such as positive religious coping, self-confidence, being an extrovert, and
resiliency are found to correlate with life satisfaction. Those with suicidal attitudes, loneliness, shyness, and
poorer health displayed lower life satisfaction. Students’ life satisfaction is also associated with happiness,
intrapreneurial self-capital, intercultural sensitivity, flourishing, spiritual well-being, and spiritual involvement.
The review assists the university authorities and student management unit in planning effective curricula and
programs for students’ psychological well-being.
- Full text:202602031533460756466122-296486-2-PB.pdf
