Coping Styles and Psychological Well-Being among University Students: The Mediating Role of Perceived Control
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52053/jpap.v7i1.487Keywords:
Coping Styles, Mediation, Perceived Control, Psychological Well-being, University StudentsAbstract
This research investigated the relationship between coping styles and psychological well-being among university students, the mediating role of perceived sense of control was also examined. In this study, a cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. Using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, data were collected from N = 350 students (aged 18–30) from universities in Karachi. Standardized instruments included the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale, Brief COPE, and Sense of Control Scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS (26) and PROCESS macro (Model 4; 5000 samples bootstrapping) for mediation analysis. Results indicated that problem-focused coping positively predicted psychological well-being (? = .11, p < .05, R² = .01), whereas avoidant coping negatively predicted psychological well-being (? = –.27, p < .001, R² = .07). Emotion-focused coping demonstrated an insignificant relationship. Contrary to conventional assumptions, perceived sense of control negatively predicted psychological well-being (? = –.43, p < .001, R² = .03). Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect (B = –0.232, 95% CI [–0.356, –0.122]), indicating partial mediation. The unexpected negative association between perceived control and psychological well-being may reflect contextual maladaptivity in uncontrollable environments, where heightened control beliefs increase distress. Findings emphasize the importance of context-sensitive psychological interventions, rather than broad institutional reforms, in improving student psychological well-being.
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