Predictors of Psychological Well-Being in a Sample of Iranian Adolescents in Malaysia

Greater psychological well-being has been related to positive health indicators. Parental autonomy support is an essential element in socializing with others and rising children and adolescents towards a happy life. Previous research have found Iranian adolescents who studying abroad report lower level of psychological well-being compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of psychological well-being among adolescents in the Iranian schools in Malaysia and to examine whether paternal and maternal autonomy support are related to psychological well-being. Cluster sampling approach was used to identify potential respondents for this study. Adolescents (n = 260) who were born in Iran and recently studying at Iranian schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, completed Subjective Vitality Scale and Perceptions of Parents Scale (POPS). The sample age ranged between 12-18 years. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s correlation were used to answer the research questions. Participants reported high level of psychological well-being. Results revealed that paternal autonomy support and maternal autonomy support were significantly positively related to psychological well-being (r =.62 and r =.59). Students with higher level of perceived autonomy support from their parents reported higher psychological well-being. This study highlights the significance of examining the consequences of autonomy-supportive parenting practices on well-being of adolescents separately for mothers and fathers. Finally, the conclusion of the study is discussed.