Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examines how bonding social capital (BSC) is related to depression symptoms (Dsym) in university students, focusing on the mediating roles of socio-emotional support, instrumental support, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and academic stress. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 217 undergraduate students (from an initial sample of 250) using validated questionnaires. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate direct and indirect relationships. The key findings indicate that BSC has an indirect, relevant, and significant negative effect on Dsym (H5) (β = −0.201, 95% CI [−0.266, −0.216]) through six routes, involving enhanced self-esteem and reduced academic stress. The model highlights self-esteem as a critical mediator between social capital and mental health outcomes. With strong predictive validity (R2 ≥ 0.1, Q2 > 0, PLS-SEM RMSE < LM), the study provides a framework for potential interventions. The theoretical contributions include distinguishing social capital from support and prioritizing self-esteem over self-efficacy in depressive pathways. Although the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, the model advances systemic approaches to student mental health, highlighting the need for longitudinal validation in diverse contexts.
Authors: Mario Eduardo Castro Torres, Pablo Marcelo Vargas-Piérola, Aarón Marco Layme Mamani, Andrea Katerine Murillo Toro, Aneydith Ribera Domínguez, Carlos F. Pinto
Institution: University of Saint Francis Xavier
Language: English
Topic: Student Stress and Coping
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,689
OpenAlex ID: W4410408091