SOURCE OF LIFE SATISFACTION: THINKING ABOUT HOW OTHERS FEEL

Riki Febriansyah (Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang)
Kusumasari Kartika Hima Darmayanti (Fakultas Psikologi, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang)

Jurnal EMPATI
Jurnal Empati: Volume 16, Nomor 1, Tahun 2027 (Februari 2027)

This study aims to examine the influence of ToM on life satisfaction in adolescents in Palembang. This study used a quantitative approach with an explanatory survey design involving 274 adolescents aged 12–16 years who were selected using convenience sampling techniques. Life satisfaction was measured using the Student's Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS), while ToM was measured using the strange stories task. Data analysis was carried out using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4, including validity, reliability, and hypothesis testing through bootstrapping. The results showed that ToM had no significant effect on life satisfaction (β = -0.174; p = 0.485; R² = 0.03). These findings suggest that the ability to understand the mental state of others does not significantly predict adolescent life satisfaction in the context of this study, so other factors are assumed to have a significant role in determining life satisfaction in adolescents.