GENDER DIFFERENCES IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: EXPLORING LIFE SATISFACTION THROUGH META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study aims to determine the life satisfaction of university students on the basis of gender. Using a quantitative perspective, the study aims to assess the effects of gender on life satisfaction and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding. SMD analysis method was used to evaluate the effect size of life satisfaction based on gender. In this study, 40 studies with appropriate data for the variables were included in the analysis. The total sample consisted of 20063 students, of which 12564 were female and 7499 were male. According to the REM results, there was a statistically significant and small effect size in favor of women (Cohen's d=0.20). There was moderate heterogeneity in terms of overall effect size (Q=117.193, p=0.000; I2 =66.722). The heterogeneity test of the studies was Q=117,193. In addition, it was found to have a heterogeneous structure p=0,000 (p<.05). It was found to be moderate heterogeneity I2 =66,722. Related methods were used to understand the publication bias. As a result of this study, a statistically significant effect size in terms of gender and a small effect size in favor of women (Cohen's d=0.20) were found. It may be recommended that future research on this subject should include qualitative studies on why life satisfaction levels are relatively low in male students and relatively high in female students.

Keywords

• university students
• life satisfaction
• gender
• meta-analysis