Mediating Role of Hope in the Relationship between Happiness and Positive Childhood Experiences among University Students
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to analyse the mediating role of hope in the relationship between positive childhood experiences and happiness. Method: The study was conducted with 367 volunteer participants. Participants completed the Demographic Information Form, the Positive Childhood Experiences Scale, the State Hope Scale and the Oxford Happiness Scale Short Form. Structural Equation Modelling was performed using the data obtained. Results: A moderate and positive relationship (r = .43) between positive childhood experiences and the sub-dimension of hope known as ‘agentive thinking’, and a weak but positive relationship (r = .24) between positive childhood experiences and the sub-dimension of hope known as ‘alternative pathways’ among university students. A positive and moderate correlation (r = .52) was observed between positive childhood experiences and happiness. According to the results of the mediation analysis, the direct effect of positive childhood experiences on happiness was found to be significant (β = .619, 95% CI [.399, .961]. Indirect effect of positive childhood experiences on happiness via hope was significant (β = .254, 95% Bootstrap CI [.091, .375]). These findings indicate that hope plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between positive childhood experiences and happiness. Conclusion: Positive childhood experiences are a predictor of happiness and that hope mediates the relationship between these two variables
DOI: 10.18863/pgy.1916593
Authors: Cennet Kaynar, Bülent Dilmaç
Institution: Necmettin Erbakan University
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214565121