Examining the factors predicting life satisfaction of the individuals in the course of divorce

The purpose of the study is to examine the relationships between life satistfaction, coping strategies, personality traits and various socio-demographic characteristics (sex, education level, perceived socio-economical status etc.) of individuals in the course of divorce and to determine the variables predicting their life satisfaction. The sample of the study consists of 113 individuals in the course of divorce whose trials are conducted by the family courts in Izmir Courthouse. Demographic Data Form, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Five Factor Personality Inventory-Short Form and Coping Strategies Scale were used to collect data. Results revealed that there is no significant differentiation between the life satisfaction levels of male and female participants. Extraversion, openness and neurotism are the personality traits which have significant correlations between life satisfaction. Among the coping strategies only avoidance has a significant correlation with life satisfaction. Regression analysis revealed that "avoidance" as a coping strategy and "neurotism" as a personality trait are the most important predictors of life satisfaction. The individuals with higher levels of avoidance and neurotism have lower life satisfaction levels. The results are discussed along with the literature findings, strengths and limitations of the study and suggestions for future researches. Keywords: Divorce, life satisfaction, coping, personality traits, family.