During the pandemic, college students experienced drastic disruptions in life and learning. While many reported mental health issues, some were able to cope quite well. This study investigates possible protective factors that contribute to different mental health outcomes. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, the study first explores whether assets and resources would contribute to distinctive mental health outcomes typologies by the measure of subjective well-being and symptomology in the dual-factor model. A multivariate model of analysis was employed to examine whether the level of those protective factors (i.e. assets and resources) were specifically related to each mental healthgroup. Subsequent qualitative interviews were conducted to understand how representatives from the symptomatic but content group maintained high level of subjective well-being despite high level of clinical symptoms.
Among the 317 college students who participated in the research, the symptomatic but content group accounted for the highest proportion (49%), followed by the troubled group (37%), the positive mental health group (11%) and the vulnerable group (3%). The quantitative result shows that the level of social support, regulatory strength, meaning making strength and interpersonal strength significantly differed across outcome groups, revealing that these protective factors matter to determine one’s mental health outcome. The qualitative result found that various coping skills grouped under appraisal and problem solving were used by students to keep them “well” despite persistent symptoms. It also highlighted the importance of self-efficacy and directedness as overarching factors for the symptomatic but content.

Authors:
Kevin Yau, De La Salle University, Philippines
Lord Joseas Conwi, De La Salle University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Mr. Lord Joseas C. Conwi is a professor and administrator at the De La Salle Medical and Health Science Institute. His study focuses on personality, stress, spirituality, and resiliency, making him an staunch advocate of mental health.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lord-joseas-conwi-01bb36240/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lord-Joseas-Conwi

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