Multidimensional social support and depressive symptoms in college students: direct associations and stress-buffering roles
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: College students frequently experience high stress and depressive symptoms, both of which undermine academic and personal well-being. This study examined the direct and buffering roles of multidimensional social support in the relationship between stress and depressive symptoms among 320 undergraduates at a large U.S. university. Participants completed validated measures of perceived stress, social support, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that perceived stress significantly predicted depressive symptoms ( β = 0.51, p < .01). Of the five social support subscales, reassurance of worth ( β = − 0.19, p < .01) and social integration ( β = − 0.12, p < .05) were directly associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Moreover, social integration buffered the stress-depressive symptoms association, such that higher integration was associated with fewer depressive symptoms under high stress ( β = − 0.10, p < .05). The full model explained 55% of the variance in depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the value of viewing social support as a multidimensional construct and suggest that interventions fostering belonging and affirming competence may help reduce depressive symptoms and support student well-being.
Source: Discover Psychology
Authors: Chris Eisenbarth, Cade Kirkhart
Institutions: Weber State University, Idaho State University
Language: English
Topic: Student Stress and Coping
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,590
OpenAlex ID: W4416717420