Problem-Solving Skills as a Mediator Variable in the Relationship between Habits of Mind and Psychological Hardiness of University Students

Abstract

This study investigated the role of problem-solving skills as a mediator variable in the relationships between habits of mind and the psychological hardiness among university students, and to identify the difference between male and female students in each of the habits of mind, psychological hardiness, and problem-solving skills. The sample comprised of 285 male and female, third-year Faculty of Education, University students. The data collection utilized the habits of mind scale, the problem-solving scale, and the psychological hardiness scale (Mekhemer, 1996). SPSS v.25 and AMOS v.24 were used to process data. The findings revealed that problem-solving skills partially mediates the relationship between habits of mind and psychological hardiness, and the results also demonstrated that there are no statistically significant differences between male and female students in habits of mind, problem-solving skills, and psychological hardiness. Future research suggestions include planning stakeholders at the university stage should take into consideration the necessity to integrate habits of mind and problem-solving skills in curricula, and providing training for faculty members to enhance university students' psychological hardiness.