A STUDY ON EXAMINING THE PREDICTIVE POWER OF TEACHER CANDIDATES' SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT ON THEIR LIFE SATISFACTION

Abstract

Life satisfaction is expressed as the satisfaction of the individual as a result of his general assessment in his life and, it is influenced by many different variables. The fact that teacher candidates love the life they live can make them happy and successful in life, as well as being more effective in the education process they are in. This makes it important to accuratelydetermine the variables that explain life satisfaction. This study was aimed to reveal the relationships among teacher candidates’ life satisfaction and their social connectedness and perceived social support levels. A correlational survey model was used to achieve this goal. Teacher candidates at Firat University formed the sample of the study. Study data was collected with the help of the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, Social Connectedness Scale, and Life Satisfaction Scale. The results obtained from the analysis of the data showed that while social connectedness and social support perceived from a significant other were not predictors of life satisfaction, social support perceived from the family and friends were meaningful predictors of teacher candidates' life satisfaction. At the end of the study, it was proposed to expand or enhance the functionality of the psychological counseling and application centers to increase teacher candidates perceptions of social support and life satisfaction.