Exploring the Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Support on Psychological Capital and Mental Health in Higher Education Students

Authors

  • Mian Ayaz Ul Haq Department of Neurology, Hayatabad Medical Complex MTI, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
  • Mudassir Ali Abro Public Health Specialist, Health Department Balochistan, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan.
  • Kiran Naz Malik Department of Psychology, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Nusrum Iqbal Department of Internal Medicine, MD Health Center, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Muhammad Zia Iqbal Basic Medical Sciences Department, Sulaiman Alrajhi University, Albukaryiah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Aqsa Department of Psychology, Duaa Centre of Psychology & Special Kids, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Sunila Shahzadi Department of Psychology, Alkhalil Medical Complex Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Tahmeedah Safiullah Department of General Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
  • Mian Mukhtar Ul Haq Department of Psychiatry, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v2i02.261

Keywords:

Psychological Capital, Perceived Social Support, Mental Health, Higher Education

Abstract

Recent studies in Positive Psychology have established an empirical relationship between Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Mental Health (MH). However, the mediating relationship between Perceived Social Support (PSS) and this association has received limited attention, especially in the context of higher education. Therefore, this study aimed to examine how PSS might mediate the relationship between PsyCap and the students' mental health. Based on a cross-sectional research design, the study selected 332 undergraduate and graduate students from the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.  PLS-SEM analysis of the findings showed that both PsyCap and PSS supported the students’ mental health. Further, PSS was revealed as a useful variable that could help to find a relationship between PsyCap and mental health. Thus, these findings emphasize the necessity of building PsyCap and PSS promotion in the learning context to enhance students’ quality of life. The findings benefit university faculty, psychologists, and curriculum developers, which should inform incorporating these elements into education and support systems. Thus, the strategic enhancement of PsyCap and social support results in the development of the environment, enhancing students' mental health and achievements. Given the rising interest in student psychological health in academic contexts, it is also timely and provides direction for actionable positive Psychological intervention. The outcome of this study adds insight into the interplay of psychological and social factors, providing directions to similar academic settings regarding research prospects and practice

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2024-11-30

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Ayaz Ul Haq, M., Ali Abro, M., Naz Malik, K., Iqbal, N., Iqbal, M. Z., Aqsa, Shahzadi, S., Safiullah, T., & Mian Mukhtar Ul Haq. (2024). Exploring the Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Support on Psychological Capital and Mental Health in Higher Education Students. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 2(02), 690–701. https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v2i02.261

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Vol. 2 No. 02 (2024): Indus journal of Bioscience Research

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