Mediating Role of Social Support in the Relationship between Psychological Capital and Mental Well-being in Students with Learning Disabilities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of General Psychology, Kashan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kashan, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Department of Psychology, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Psychology, Astara Branch, Payame Noor University, Astara, Iran

Abstract

Background: Students with learning disabilities face social, emotional, and academic difficulties.
 
Objective: The present study aimed to assess the role of social support in the relationship between psychological capital and mental well-being in students with learning disabilities.
 
Methods: This cross-sectional correlational research was conducted using structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised all students with learning disabilities residing in Tehran from July to November 2023. A sample of 250 adolescent students was selected using a multi-stage cluster and targeted sampling method. The data collection instruments were the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Subjective Well-being Scales (SWS), and Luthans Psychological Capital Questionnaires (PCQ). Data analysis was performed using SmartPLS (version 4) and SPSS (version 7) software packages.
 
Results: The present study revealed that self-efficacy positively affected mental well-being through the social support variable, with a significant effect (β=0.241; P=0.000). Hope had a beneficial effect on mental wellness through social support, with a substantial positive impact (β=0.091; P=0.017). Resilience had a beneficial impact on mental well-being through social support, with a significant result (β=0.167; P=0.001).
 
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that hope and self-efficacy, two psychological assets, improve both mental well-being and social support. Nonetheless, optimism only boosts well-being, while resilience only improves social support. Furthermore, social support, acting as a mediator, enhances mental well-being.
 

Keywords


Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

1. Seshadri NG, Agrawal S, Singh BK, Geethanjali B, Mahesh V, Pachori RB. EEG based classification of children with learning disabilities using shallow and deep neural network. Biomed Signal Process Control. 2023 Apr 1;82:104553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bspc.2022.104553
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bspc.2022.104553
 
2. Zamani Behbahani E, Asgari P, Heydari A, Marashian FS. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Fernald's Multisensory Training and Computer Game Training on Dyslexia in Elementary Students with learning Disabilities. Iranian journal of educational sociology. 2021 Mar 10;4(1):58-67. 10.52547/ijes.4.1.58
https://doi.org/10.52547/ijes.4.1.58
 
3. Niousha B. The Effect of Learning Memory Strengthening Skills on Improving Dictation in Female Students with Learning Disabilities in Arak Education Area. Iranian journal of educational sociology. 2018 Dec 10;1(10):133-40. https://iase-idje.ir/article-1-423-en.html
 
4. Abecassis S, Magen H, Weintraub N. Typing performance and technique of higher education students with specific learning disorders. LDRP. 2023 May;38(2):119-28. https://doi.org/10.1111/ldrp.12305
https://doi.org/10.1111/ldrp.12305
 
5. Casali N, Meneghetti C, Tinti C, MariaRe A, Sini B, Passolunghi MC, Valenti A, Montesano L, Pellegrino G, Carretti B. Academic Achievement and Satisfaction Among University Students With Specific Learning Disabilities: The Roles of Soft Skills and Study-Related Factors. J Learn Disabil. 2024 Jan-Feb;57(1):16-29. doi:. 10.1177/00222194221150786 .[PubMed: 36790042].
https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194221150786
PMid:36790042
 
6. Lin YT. The interrelationship among psychological capital, mindful learning, and English learning engagement of university students in Taiwan. Sage Open. 2020 Jan;10(1):2158244020901603. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020901603
https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020901603
 
7. Ghadri V, Dortaj F, Bagheri F, Nasrollahi B. Explaining the causal model of perceived competence on psychological capital with the mediating role of academic emotions of tenth grade male students in the second year of high school in Tehran. Iranian journal of educational sociology. 2021 Aug 10;4(2):49-58. 10.52547/ijes.4.2.49
https://doi.org/10.52547/ijes.4.2.49
 
8. Chiracu A, Cosma GA, Stepan AR, Cosma MA, Corlaci I, Călugăru EDC, Voinea F, Zăvăleanu M, Burileanu HA, Avramescu T. Psychological capital, quality of life, and well-being in mother caregivers of individuals with down syndrome. Front Psychol. 2023 Feb 21;14:1145104. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1145104.[PubMed: 36895731].
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1145104
PMid:36895731 PMCid:PMC9989283
 
9. Sumalrot T, Suwanwong C, Pimthong S, Surakarn A, Chiangkhong A, Khunakorncharatphong A. The development and effectiveness of web-based psychological capital intervention on the mental well-being of tourism workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychol. 2023 Apr 28;11(1):138. doi:. 10.1186/s40359-023-01189-0 [PubMed: 37118838].
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01189-0
PMid:37118838 PMCid:PMC10144891
 
10. Nemati S, Badri Gargari R, Erfani S. Academic Well-being and Self-Compassion in Students with and without Specific Learning Disability. J Learn Disabil. 2021 Nov 22;11(1):64-79. 10.22098/JLD.2021.6231.1663
 
11. Delaney TW, Pollet TV, Cook C. The mental well-being of involuntary celibates. Pers Individ Differ. 2024 Feb 1;218:112474. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1315698
https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1315698
 
12. Kachroo WQ, Reshi IA, War MI. QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG MOTHERS HAVING CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES. IJEBAS. 2023 Feb 7;3(1):217-21. https://doi.org/10.54443/ijebas.v3i1.672
https://doi.org/10.54443/ijebas.v3i1.672
 
13. Kausik NH, Hussain D. The impact of inclusive education on academic motivation, academic self-efficacy, and well-being of students with learning disability. J Educ. 2023 Apr;203(2):251-7. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220574211031957
https://doi.org/10.1177/00220574211031957
 
14. Poots A, Cassidy T. Academic expectation, self-compassion, psychological capital, social support, and student well-being. Int. J Educ Res. 2020 Jan 1;99:101506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2019.101506
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2019.101506
 
15. Huang L, Zhang T. Perceived Social Support, Psychological Capital, and Subjective Well-being among College Students in the Context of Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Asia Pac Educ Rev. 2022;31(5):563-74. doi: 10.1007/s40299-021-00608-3
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-021-00608-3
PMCid:PMC8342982
 
16. Hassani M, Hashemi SA, Bagheri M. The Role of Individual and Collective Components on the Formation of Social Trust in Secondary High School Students. Iranian journal of educational sociology. 2021 Mar 10;4(1):116-24. 10.52547/ijes.4.1.116
https://doi.org/10.52547/ijes.4.1.116
 
17. Simons EE, Bird MD. Coach-athlete relationship, social support, and sport-related psychological well-being in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I
 
student-athletes. Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education. 2023 Sep 2;17(3):191-210. https://doi.org/10.1080/19357397.2022.2060703
https://doi.org/10.1080/19357397.2022.2060703
 
18. Gan SK, Wong SW, Jiao PD. Religiosity, Theism, Perceived Social Support, Resilience, and Well-being of University Undergraduate Students in Singapore during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 17;20(4):3620. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043620.[PubMed: 36834313].
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043620
PMid:36834313 PMCid:PMC9959174
 
19. Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. AP; 2013 Sep 3.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203771587
 
20. Dahlem NW, Zimet GD, Walker RR. The multidimensional scale of perceived social support: a confirmation study. J Clin
 
Psychol. 1991 Nov;47(6):756-61. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(199111)47:6<756::AID-JCLP2270470605>3.0.CO;2-L
https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-4679(199111)47:6<756::AID-JCLP2270470605>3.0.CO;2-L
PMid:1757578
 
21. Besharat MA. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support: Questionnaire, Instruction and Scoring. http://jip.azad.ac.ir/article_668831_4fbd861cadf20649afa5fed9aeafa52a.pdf
 
22. Keyes CL, Magyar-Moe JL. The measurement and utility of adult subjective well-being. https://doi.org/10.1037/10612-026
https://doi.org/10.1037/10612-026
 
23. Gouran Shourakchali S, Hosseinzadeh B, Fallah V. Modeling the Impact of Organizational Virtue on Psychological Empowerment of Faculty Members by the Mediating Role of Subjective Well-being: A Case Study of Mazandaran Province Universities. Educational Development of Judishapur. 2021 May 10;12(1):96-107. https://doi.org/10.22118/edc.2020.233693.1394
 
24. Luthans F, Avolio BJ, Avey JB, Norman SM. Positive psychological capital: Measurement and relationship with performance and satisfaction. Pers Psychol. 2007 Sep;60(3):541-72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2007.00083.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2007.00083.x
 
25. Ghasemzadeh A, Zavvar T, Rezaei A. Impact of psychological capital and social capital on the job stress and deviant behaviors in clinical staff. https://ijhr.iums.ac.ir/article_15470_0.html
 
26. Murphy ER. Hope and well-being. Curr Opin Psychol. 2023 Apr;50:101558. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101558 .[PubMed: 36822123].
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101558
PMid:36822123
 
27. Zhang M, Wu Y, Ji C, Wu J. The Role of Perceived Social Support and Stress in the Relationship between Hope and Depression among Chinese Shadow Education Tutors: A Serial Mediation Model. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 12;19(6):3348. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19063348 .[PubMed: 35329036].
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063348
PMid:35329036 PMCid:PMC8951324
 
28. Reizer A, Munk Y, Frankfurter LK. Laughing to the lockdown: On humor, optimism, and well-being during COVID-19. Pers Individ Differ. 2022 Jan 1;184:111164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111164
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111164
PMid:36540666 PMCid:PMC9755823
 
29. Genç E, Arslan G. Optimism and dispositional hope to promote college students' subjective well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. JPSP. 2021 Dec 24;5(2):87-96. 10.47602/jpsp.v5i2.255
https://doi.org/10.47602/jpsp.v5i2.255
 
30. Hatami M, Aref Nazari M. Predicting the level of optimism based on spiritual intelligence and social support. Political Sociology of Iran. 2022 Sep 23;5(7):929-45. 10.30510/psi.2022.316693.2683
 
31. Sabbaghi F, Karimi K, Akbari M, Yarahmadi Y. Predicting academic engagement based on academic optimism, competency perception and academic excitement in students. Iranian journal of educational sociology. 2020 Sep 10;3(3):50-61. 10.52547/ijes.3.3.50
https://doi.org/10.52547/ijes.3.3.50
 
32. Li F, Luo S, Mu W, Li Y, Ye L, Zheng X, Xu B, Ding Y, Ling P, Zhou M, Chen X. Effects of sources of social support and resilience on the mental health of different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry. 2021 Jan 7;21(1):16. doi: 10.1186/s12888-020-03012-1 .[PubMed: 33413238].
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-03012-1
PMid:33413238 PMCid:PMC7789076
 
33. Yalcin-Siedentopf N, Pichler T, Welte AS, Hoertnagl CM, Klasen CC, Kemmler G, Siedentopf CM, Hofer A. Sex matters stress perception and the relevance of resilience and perceived social support in emerging adults. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2021 Jun;24(3):403-411. doi: 10.1007/s00737-020-01076-2
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-020-01076-2
PMid:33057788 PMCid:PMC8116239
 
34. Skalski SB, Konaszewski K, Büssing A, Surzykiewicz J. Resilience and Mental Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Serial Mediation by Persistent Thinking and Anxiety About Coronavirus. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jan 27;12:810274. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.810274.[PubMed: 35153868].
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.810274
PMid:35153868 PMCid:PMC8829387
 
35. Fathi J, Derakhshan A, Saharkhiz Arabani A. Investigating a structural model of self-efficacy, collective efficacy, and psychological well-being among Iranian EFL teachers. IJALS. 2020 Jun 1;12(1):123-50. 10.22111/ijals.2020.5725
 
36. Liu Q, Jin Y, Wang Y, Feng J, Qiao X, Ji L, Si H, Bian Y, Wang W, Yu J, Wang C. Association between self-efficacy and self-management behaviors among individuals at high risk for stroke: Social support acting as a mediator. J Clin Nurs. 2023 Jan;32(1-2):71-82. doi: 10.1111/jocn.16191 .[PubMed: 34981582].
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16191
PMid:34981582
 
37. Sabouripour F, Roslan S, Ghiami Z, Memon MA. Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship Between Optimism, Psychological Well-being, and Resilience Among Iranian Students. Front Psychol. 2021 Jun 14;12:675645. doi:. 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.675645 [PubMed: 34194372].
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.675645
PMid:34194372 PMCid:PMC8236986
 
38. Deegan A, Dunne S. An investigation into the relationship between social support, stress, and psychological well-being in farmers. J Community Psychol. 2022 Sep;50(7):3054-3069. doi: 10.1002/jcop.22814 .[PubMed: 35132638].
https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22814
PMid:35132638 PMCid:PMC9545128