Optimism-pessimism and information processing styles as predictors of depression and life satisfaction

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between optimism- pessimism and information processing styles; also، determining the contribution of these variables in the prediction of depression and life satisfaction in students. This investigation is a correlation and prediction study. 187 students of humanity and basic sciences (110 females and 77 males) from Payam-e-Noor University-Tabriz branch were randomly selected، with using stratified and multiple stage cluster sampling method. Information processing styles، depression، optimism-pessimism and life satisfaction questionnaires werecompleted by these students. The Pearson’s correlation test and Simultaneous or Standard multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The results showed that there was negative and meaningful correlation between rationality information processing styles and optimism with depression، but the relationship between rationality and optimism with life satisfaction was positive and meaningful (P<0. 01). There was negative and meaningful correlation between life satisfaction and depression، but relationship between rationality and optimism was positive and meaningful (P<0. 01). The results of simultaneous multiple regression analysis showed that optimism and rationality variables were significant predictors for depression and life satisfaction. These variables in prediction of depression had a negative Beta value، but in prediction of life satisfaction had a positive Beta value. The contribution of optimism in prediction both of psychological adjustment measures was more than rationality information processing style. The present findings emphasized on the importance of optimism and rationality information processing style in the psychological adjustment understanding.