Ostracism and Life Satisfaction among Turkish Adolescents: The Role of Self-Efficacy as Mediator

Abstract

Purpose of the study is to examine the predictive role of ostracism on life satisfaction of Turkish adolescents. Secondly, it is aimed to examine the mediator role of self-efficacy on this relationship. Participants of the study are 659 adolescents between the ages of 15-18 (x̄ = 16.45; SD = 1.08). Mediation model was established to explain relationships between ostracism, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. A mediation model was designed for ignorance and the other one is designed for exclusion as independent variables. First hypothesis is, ostracism negatively predicts life satisfaction. Additionally, another hypothesis of the study is self-efficacy will act as a mediator in the relationship between ostracism and life satisfaction. Data collection was realized via self-report scales to measure ostracism experience, self-efficacy levels, and life satisfaction levels of Turkish adolescents. Results exhibit correlation between life satisfaction and self-efficacy. And also, life satisfaction and self-efficacy exhibit negative correlation with ignorance and exclusion. Self-efficacy significantly predicted life satisfaction. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between ignorance-exclusion and life satisfaction.