An analysis of the relationship between subjective well being and perceived control

Nowadays, the positive psychology approach develops rapidly and comprehensively. With this perspective, subjective well being and perceived control are considering together. This study examines the association between perceived control and subjective well-being (SWB) among Turkish university students. A total of 340 individuals (170 male and 170 female) completed the Domain General Perceived Control Scale, Positive-Negative Affect Scale-PANAS and the Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS). Regression analysis shows that perceived control is important predictors of subjective well-being. Results were found parallel with the literature. SUMMARY Purpose and Significance: Nowadays, the positive psychology approach develops rapidly and comprehensively. With this perspective, subjective well being and perceived control are considering together. Subjective well being has relationships with many variables. This study examines the relationship between perceived control and subjective well-being (SWB) among Turkish university students. Method: This study is carried out following the scanning model. The participants of the study include a total of 340 undergraduate students (170 males and 170 females). The ages of them range between 19 and 25. The data of the study were obtained through the use of the following scales: Domain General Perceived Control Scale" that is developed by Eryilmaz (2007); Life Satisfaction Scale" translated into Turkish by Koker (1991) and "Positive - Negative Affect Scale" that is translated into Turkish by Gencoz (2000). Results: The effects of the perceived control on subjective well-being were analysed through the use of simple regression analysis. The findings obtained indicate that subjective well-being and perceived control have a mean relationship that is positive. In terms of the predictors of subjective well-being, perceived control is found to significantly predict subjective well-being. The results of the related t- test show that these are statistically significant. Discussion and Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that there is a statistically significant relationship between subjective well-being and perceived control. In terms of subjective well-being, perceived control that is a parallel pattern with cognitive evaluation is very significant construct that is employed to express the positive functionality of human beings. Since two constructs are positive, the findings of the study appear to be important. The findings obtained in the study are concerned with the domain general perceived control. Further studies regarding the domain general perceived control will, of course, contribute to our understanding of these significant constructs. The findings of the study indicate that the higher the perceived control of an individual, the higher his subjective well-being level. In terms of teachers' perspective, they should be aware of the fact that they are influential agents in order to improve the students' percieved control. Those who employ all these information can faciliate the individuals' percieved control levels. Therefore, they indirectly affect their subjective well-being in a positive manner. In conclusion, this study has revealed the relationships between subjective well-being and perceived control. Future emprical and relational studies concerning these topics may produce more detailed information.