Examining University Students' Positive Perceptions, Altruism, and Happiness Levels

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of altruism in the effect of university students' positive perception levels on happiness. The study was designed based on a correlational survey model. The sample of the study consisted of 464 undergraduate students studying at various universities in Türkiye during the spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected through an online survey administered to voluntary participants. The Positive Perception Scale, Altruism Scale, and Oxford Happiness Scale short form were used in the data collection process. The obtained data were analyzed using correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed a significant positive relationship between positive perception and happiness. Additionally, altruism was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between positive perception and happiness. These findings, when evaluated within the framework of positive psychology theory, indicate that developing positive perceptions and encouraging altruistic behaviors are important in increasing university students' levels of happiness.