Resilience, well-being, and family satisfaction: A protective shield for the mental health of Colombian and Chilean university students

Abstract

Introduction: The deterioration of mental health in university students can have important consequences from an academic, relational, and social point of view, so it is important to study family, educational, social, personal, and psychological dimensions that favour psychological well-being, performance, adaptation and permanence in this system, from a preventive approach focused on the resources and protective factors of the mental health and well-being of students. This research aimed to analyze attitudes considered protective of mental health, such as resilience, psychological well-being, and family satisfaction, among university students and users of the psychological care centers within their higher education institutions in Colombia and Chile. Materials and methods: Quantitative descriptive-comparative research was conducted involving 697 students from Colombia and Chile who participated online and completed a demographic characterization form, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Olson and Wilson Family Satisfaction Scale. Results: The results indicate that the students exhibit a medium to medium-high level in the study variables, with differences observed according to sex and age, particularly with respect to the country, where the Colombian sample is significantly higher. Conclusion: The analysis of this type of information is valuable for planning and targeting intervention plans in university psychological care centers.