Psychological Correlates of Life Satisfaction Among Medical Students in Northern India: A Cross-Sectional Study

The medical curriculum is demanding and often associated with significant stress among students. This study aimed to assess life satisfaction among undergraduate medical students in Northern India and explore factors associated with life satisfaction, including sociodemographic and psychological factors.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students from selected medical colleges in Northern India. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select institutions and participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through confidential face-to-face interviews after obtaining informed consent. Postinterview deidentification procedures were implemented. No names or direct identifiers were recorded on the questionnaire forms, and each participant was assigned a unique study code.

A total of 415 students participated, of whom 64.1% were male participants. Overall, 64.6% reported being satisfied with their lives. Life satisfaction showed a significant negative correlation with perceived stress (r = -0.331, p < 0.001) and moderate positive correlations with subjective happiness (r = 0.477, p < 0.001) and self-confidence (r = 0.411, p < 0.001). Weak positive correlations were observed between life satisfaction and meditation practice (r = 0.181), spirituality (r = 0.189), gratitude (r = 0.184), and appreciation of beauty (r = 0.227), indicating small effect sizes despite statistical significance (all p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, subjective happiness (β = 0.328, p < 0.001), self-confidence (β = 0.191, p < 0.001), and perceived stress (β = -0.170, p < 0.001) emerged as significant independent predictors of life satisfaction.

Subjective happiness and self-confidence were independently associated with higher life satisfaction, whereas perceived stress was independently associated with lower life satisfaction. Although coping practices such as meditation and gratitude showed weaker associations, the findings highlight the potential relevance of psychological well-being and coping-related factors in understanding life satisfaction among medical students.