Life Satisfaction Among College Students: The Role of Self-Monitoring Through Peer Education

Abstract

Purpose of this study is to identify the effectiveness of self-monitoring training through peer education to improve life satisfaction for college students through peer education. This study uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method. Participants in the study were 30 students of Universitas Islam Indonesia at Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, which consisted of 14 students in the experimental group and 16 students in the control group. This research instrument uses a self-report scale, namely Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLWS) to measure life satisfaction variable, and also uses focus group discussion to gain more responses. The analysis technique used was ANOVA mixed design analysis to test the difference between pre-test and post-test scores in experimental group and control group. In this study, self-monitoring carried out by individuals through peer education media is assumed to be one of the strategies to increase life satisfaction felt by students. Design of the selfmonitoring intervention program was provided in 8 sessions, which generally consisted of program orientation, psycho-education, reflection, and practice. Result of data analysis showed that self-monitoring training through peer education does not have a significant effect to improve life satisfaction. However, based on focus group discussion, some respondents said that respondents were able to understand themselves, know the right and wrong things, feel always watched, and be able to do self-introspection. Some participants conveyed in the focus group discussion process that the process of self-monitoring through peer education gave rise to the determination to be better after the program took place.