Investigating life satisfaction of teacher candidates' in relation to experiential avoidance, valuing and some demographic variables

This correlational study aimed to investigate the relationships between life satisfaction levels of teacher candidates in relation to their experiential avoidance, valuing and some demographic variables. The sample of this study consists of 332 teacher candidates (265 female, 67 male), studied in Faculty of Education at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University in 2021-2022 academic years. Data was collected through Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, Valuing Questionnaire, Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire and Demographic Information Form. Independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and hierarchical regression analysis technics were used in analyzing research data. It was determined that life satisfaction of teacher candidates differed significantly in favor of the ones who have high social support levels. However, it was concluded that life satisfaction levels didn't differ in gender, KPSS preparation levels and overall grade point average. Life satisfaction was examined through hierarchical regression analysis in two models, first in experiential avoidance and second in valuing. It was observed that experiential avoidance coefficients decreased significantly when valuing was included in the model. It was also found that experiential avoidance and valuing variables explained 30% change in the variance of life satisfaction levels of teacher candidates. Findings of this study were discussed in the light of the current literature.