Self-Esteem, Coping Strategy, and Social Support as Correlates of Life Satisfaction among Middle-Aged Malay Women

Women in their middle age hold different challenging roles as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a grandmother, and career-wise, as a worker or an employee. They encounter a diversity of expectations and burdens, while their psychological and physical health is at risk because of the hormonal changes and aging process that they have to go through. Social support, coping strategies, and self-esteem may equip middle-aged women to face changes and challenges in this phase of life, and thus achieving life satisfaction. This study presents the preliminary study of the relation between self-esteem, coping strategy, social support, and life satisfaction among middle-aged Malay women in Kuala Lumpur. By employing the purposive sampling, 38 working and non-working women were selected to participate in this study. This study utilizes the MOS Social Support Survey, The Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale, Coping Strategies Inventory Short-Form, and Life Satisfaction Index (z). The analysis of the Pearson Correlation showed that self-esteem correlated at r = 0.667, p 0.001, coping strategy at r = .562, p 0.001, and social support at r = 0.341, p 0.05 with life satisfaction. Therefore, we have been able to gather that high self-esteem, good social support and positive coping strategy are the elements which promote life satisfaction. Once all of these elements are in excellent condition, life satisfaction is also at its peak. Women can gain life satisfaction by improving these three important aspects of their lives. Social workers, counselors, and policy makers can benefit in planning programs which can enhance the life quality of middle-aged women.