Assertiveness and well-being in students having vs. not having a passion: the moderating role of life satisfaction

Katarzyna Justyna Klimkowska, Małgorzata Gulip

Abstract


Introduction: Satisfaction of psychological needs and harmonious integration of passion into one’s identity is of key importance for an individual's well-being and development. These issues are particularly significant in the context of the growing mental health challenges faced by young adults.

Research Aim: The aim of the research/study was to examine the relationship between assertiveness, life satisfaction, passion, and mental well-being among university students.

Method: A diagnostic survey delivered in the form of an online questionnaire.

Results: Students pursuing a passionate activity/having a passion displayed higher assertiveness (M = 4.23; SD = 0.54) and well-being (M = 5.12; SD = 0.47) than those having no passion (assertiveness: M = 3.89; SD = 0.61; well-being: M = 4.76; SD = 0.53). In the passion group, life satisfaction moderated the link between assertiveness and well-being (B = -0.015; p < 0.001), while this effect was absent in the non-passion group (B = 0.002; p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The study confirmed the important role of assertiveness as a predictor of student well-being and demonstrated the differentiating function of passion. In the group of students having a passion, life satisfaction moderated the relationship between assertiveness and well-being, while in the group of students with no passion, this effect was not observed.


Keywords


students, passion, assertiveness, life satisfaction, well-being, self-determination theory.

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/lrp.2026.45.3.201-218
Date of publication: 2026-09-28 10:44:57
Date of submission: 2025-06-30 21:56:25


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