Abstract

The purpose of this study was designed to test and develope the structural model that explains health promoting behaviors among college students in Korea. The hypothetical model was constructed on the Pender's Health promotion Model(l996) and the inclusion of some influential factors for life satisfaction. The conceptual framework was built around eight constructs. Exogenous variables included in the model were self-esteem, perceived health status, self-efficacy, internal locus of control, chance locus of control. powerful other locus of control. Endogenous variables were health promotion behaviors and life satisfaction. The results are as follows; 1. The overall fit of the hypothetical model to the data was moderate < chi2=4.18(df=11. p=0.041), GFI= 0.99, AGFI= 0.76, RMR= 0.019, CFI= 0.99, CN= 248.50> 2. Path and variable of the model were modified by considering both its theoretical implication and statistical significance of parameter estimates. Compared to the hypothetical model. the revised model has become parsimonious and had a better fit to the data expected in a chi-square value < chi2=8.43(df= 16, p=0.21), GFI= 0.99, AGFI= 0.92., RMR= 0.024, CFI= 0.99, CN= 312.01> 3. Some of the predictive factors. especially self efficacy. self esteem. powerful others locus of control. perceived health status revealed the direct effects on health promoting behaviors. Of these variables. self-efficacy was the most signigicant factor. These predictive variables of health promoting behaviors explained 59% of total variances in the model. 4. Health promoting behaviors, self-esteem. and perceived health status revealed direct effect on the life satisfaction. Self-efficacy was identified as an important variable that contributed indirectly to improve life satisfaction by enhancing health promoting behaviors. These predictive variables of life satisfaction explained 42% of total variances in the model. In conclusion. the derived model in this study is considered appropriate in explaining and predicting health promoting models and life satisfaction among college students in Korea and could effectively be used as a reference model for further studies by suggesting a direction in health promoting nursing practices.