Mediating Role of Optimism in the Relationship between Personality Types, Religious Beliefs, Social Interest and Mental Health

Aim of this study was to determine the mediating role of optimism in the relationship between personality types, religious beliefs, social interest and mental health. The study population consisted all employees at allameh Tabataba’i University. Through random cluster sampling, 157 subjects were selected. They completed Crandalls social interest scale, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Behavioral Patterns scale (type A), Life Orientation Questionnaire-Revised (LOT-R) and Completion of religious beliefs (Mabad). Structural equation modeling was used to assess the mediating effects of optimism in the relationship between personality types, religious beliefs, social interest and mental health. Data were analyzed with AMOS. Findings indicated overall model fit. In the whole model, results also indicated that the relationship between personality types, religious beliefs, social interest and mental health was mediated by optimism.