Self-Esteem, Ambivalent Sexism, and Life Orientation in Youth: A Correlational Study among University Students in Pakistan

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between self-esteem, ambivalent sexism, and life orientation in Pakistani youth. The study employed a correlational research design. One hundred and fifty students participated in the study. The study was conducted among students aged 19-29 years who were enrolled at the universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Specifically, 73 male and 77 female students were included in the study. The participants responded to three standardized questionnaires, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and the Life Orientation Test-Revised. The data were analyzed using product-moment correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, independent sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aid of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The results of the study showed that self-esteem was positively correlated with optimism (r= .45, p< .01) and negatively correlated with hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. Self-esteem was a positive predictor of optimism (Beta= .42, p< .001). The analysis revealed that gender predicted optimism and pessimism; females were more pessimistic than males (t=- 2.92, p< .01; Cohen d= .80). Family income differentiated optimism levels; youth who belonged to the family with an income of 50, 000 – 100, 000 PKR appeared to be the most optimistic. The obtained results have provided important insights into the relationship between self-esteem, ambivalent sexism, and life orientation in Pakistani society. The research has practical implications for gender studies, social psychology, and community work with the youth.