Examining Predictors of Psychological Well-Being among University Students: A Descriptive Comparative Study across Thailand and Singapore

Wareerat Thanoi, Nopporn Vongsirimas (), Yajai Sitthimongkol and Piyanee Klainin-Yobas
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Wareerat Thanoi: Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya 73170, Thailand
Nopporn Vongsirimas: Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya 73170, Thailand
Yajai Sitthimongkol: Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya 73170, Thailand
Piyanee Klainin-Yobas: Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) is a significant indicator of positive psychology. Thus far, the predictors of PWB are not well-understood among university students in Asian countries. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between PWB and its predictors (stress, resilience, mindfulness, self-efficacy, and social support) in Thai and Singaporean undergraduates. Stress is perceived to have a negative influence on PWB, but mindfulness, resilience, self-efficacy, and social support indicate positive influences. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive predictive research design was used with 966 Thai and 696 Singaporean university students. After calculating an adequate sample size and performing convenience sampling, we administered the following six standard scales: the Perceived Stress Scale, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Mindfulness Awareness Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Psychological Well-being Scale, along with a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed for participants’ PWB. Results: Mindfulness had significant effects on both factors of PWB, including autonomy and growth, and cognitive triad, across two samples. In the Thai sample, resilience most strongly predicted autonomy and growth and perceived stress did so the cognitive triad, whereas in the Singaporean sample, perceived control most strongly predicted autonomy and growth and support from friends did so the cognitive triad. Conclusion: These findings provide specific knowledge towards enhancing psychosocial interventions and promoting PWB to strengthen mindfulness, resilience, perceived control of stress, and social support.

Keywords: stress; resilience; mindfulness; psychological well-being; university students (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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