Can Kids be too Happy in School? The Optimal Level of School Satisfaction

<p>Research to date has assumed linearity in the effects of school satisfaction (SS), with more positive outcomes associated with increasing levels of school satisfaction. This study investigated the consequences of very high levels of SS across academic achievement and social-relationship outcomes using archival data collected in a one-year longitudinal study of middle school students. Several regression analyses similar to that of Oishi, Diener, and Lucas (2007) were conducted. The analyses demonstrated that middle school students with the highest levels of SS tended to report the highest levels of satisfaction with their peer, family, and teacher relationships. With regard to academic achievement, students reporting the highest levels of SS did not demonstrate statistically significantly lower (or higher levels) of academic achievement. SS does not appear significantly related to academic achievement outcomes. Limitations of the study as well as implications for future research and educational practice are discussed.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Campus Access Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2010

Author dc:creator

• Whitley, Audrey Marie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Eugene S. Huebner

• Education
• Educational Psychology
• School Satisfaction

Statement dc:rights

• © 2010, Audrey Marie Whitley

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/421

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarcommons.sc.edu:etd-1422