Exploring the Influence of Perceived Social Support on Psychological Capital and its Subdimensions among University Students

Description

Page: 238-243

Pardip Kaur and Mohd Mustafa (Department of Psychology, Panjab University, Chandigarh)

The beginning of university life from a safe school environment to unexposed university life is a bit challenging for students, resulting in a great impact on their positive state of mind, wherein social support can play a crucial role in sustaining a new challenging environment. The intent is to delve into the influence of perceived social support on psychological capital (PsyCap) and its subdimensions along with discovering gender disparities. A cohort sample of 100 university students (50 males & 50 females) was collected and later assessed by a Standardized questionnaire, namely, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support and an academic psychological capital scale. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson correlation. Results revealed a robust and significant positive association of perceived social support with psychological capital (PsyCap) and its all sub-dimensions, namely hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism. Additionally, significant gender differences in perceived social support and psychological capital were observed, where male participants scored higher than females in both variables.