Predicting of life satisfaction in terms of personality traits and defense mechanisms

This study aims to predict life satisfaction based on personality traits (neuroticism, extroversion, agreeableness, Openness and conscientiousness) and defense mechanisms (mature mechanisms, immature mechanisms and neurotic mechanisms). The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population included 19448 girl high school students in Qom. The sample included 377 students that were selected using multistage cluster sampling. For sampling, among educational districts in Qom, district 1 were selected at first, then among schools, 3 schools and finally from each school all classes were selected randomly and they responded to Defense style questionnaire, NEO_Personality Inventory and Satisfaction with life scale. Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analysis method. Results showed that personality traits (neuroticism, extroversion and conscientiousness), defense mechanisms (mature mechanisms and immature mechanisms) could predict life satisfaction (p < 0.05) but a greeableness, openness and neurotic mechanisms could not predict life satisfaction (p > 0.05). Therefore, the life satisfaction of students can be elevated by proper planning and education in case of personality traits and defense mechanisms.