%0 Journal Article
%T Positive and Negative Correlates of Psychological Well-Being and Distress in College Students' Mental Health: A Correlational Study.
%A Nogueira MJC
%A Sequeira CA
%J Healthcare (Basel)
%V 12
%N 11
%D 2024 May 25
%M 38891160
%F 3.16
%R 10.3390/healthcare12111085
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Recognizing the positive or negative effects of students' mental health promotes personal development, well-being, and academic success. Academic life exposes college students to multiple adjustments, demands, and vulnerabilities that can cause stress and mental health problems. This study aims to identify psychological well-being and psychological distress effects on college students' mental health.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A correlational study was designed involving a non-probabilistic 560 sample of students (446 women) aged 18 to 41 years (M = 19.6; SD = 1.68). An online self-report questionnaire was used including demographic, relational, academic, and health behaviors variables, and the measures: Mental Health Inventory; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; Academic Life Satisfaction Scale; and Psychological Vulnerability Scale.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Regression analyses indicate that male students, dating, good academic performance, exercise, sleeping seven hours, satisfaction with social support, and academic life satisfaction were significant correlates (p < 0.05) of psychological well-being, with the last two having great weight in the model. Females, low income, aged 21-24 years, sleeping less than 6 h, moderate psychological vulnerability, and perception of vulnerability were significant (p < 0.05) negative effects of psychological distress.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study addresses the positive and negative effects of psychological well-being and distress in college students. Specific mental health promotion and morbidity prevention programs can improve students' mental health literacy and resilience.