The relationship between social support and subjective well-being among college students: an analysis of the mediating effect of mental toughness

Abstract

The main aim of this research is to get a thorough comprehension of the underlying mechanisms, through which social support influences an individual's subjective well-being. A mediation model has been created to examine the relationship between social support and subjective well-being with mental toughness serving as a mediator. The study was conducted using a sample size of 596 college students. The questionnaire method was used to investigate their social support, mental toughness, and subjective well-being. The findings indicate that (1) a significant positive link is seen between social support, mental toughness, and subjective well-being. Furthermore, a significant positive association has been seen between social support and subjective well-being. (2) The relationship between social support and the subjective well-being of college students is somewhat influenced by the mediating factor of mental toughness. This suggests that social support has the capacity to affect the subjective well-being of college students, both via direct means and indirectly through the mediating factor of mental toughness. The study results not only provide a valuable contribution to enhancing the subjective well-being of college students but also support the advancement of targeted mental health education.