STUDENT WELL-BEING: IDENTIFYING THE CONTRIBUTION OF OPTIMISM AND LOCUS OF CONTROL

Studies have shown that personality characteristics play a significant role in explaining the differences in well-being. To better understand this effect of personality traits, the study explored the role of locus of control and optimism for student college-related well-being. In a sample of 187 university students in Croatia, who responded to a set of personality questionnaires, it was found that both locus of control and optimism correlated with well-being. Moreover, results also revealed that optimism moderated the relationship between external locus of control and well-being. Our findings suggest that positive thinking may buffer the adverse effects of external locus of control on student well-being