Work

Relationship between psychological capital and mental health at higher education: Role of perceived social support as a mediator

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Research in Positive Psychology has indicated a correlation between Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Mental health (MH). However, the specific contribution of Perceived Social Support (PSS) in the connection between PsyCap and MH, particularly within higher education, remains uninvestigated. This study investigated how PSS could mediate the effect of PsyCap on students' MH using a cross-sectional research design. The sample encompassed 443 undergraduate graduate students at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. Results from Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) showed that both PsyCap (β = 0.815, t = 31.074, p < 0.000) and PSS (β = 0.405, t = 28.051, p < 0.000) have a positive impact on students' MH. Additionally, PSS was identified as a significant mediator in relation to students' MH (b = 0.080, t = 2.319, p < 0.020). This study emphasizes the importance of developing these factors in educational and support programs to enhance students' well-being. Moreover, the results offer significant conceptual and practical insights for higher education faculty, psychologists, and curriculum designers.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29472

Authors: Aashiq Khan, Irum Zeb, Yan Zhang, Shawana Fazal, Jie Ding

Institutions: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hazara University

Language: English

Topic: Student Stress and Coping

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,100