The relationship between social capital, digital well-being, and quality of life of Ukrainians: An empirical study

The growing digitalisation of everyday life has transformed the role of social capital in shaping well-being, making it important to understand how traditional social ties operate in online contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social capital, digital well-being, and quality of life in the Ukrainian population. An online survey was conducted among 91 participants (78% female), using three validated instruments: the KPIKS methodology for assessing social capital, the Digital Well-Being Scale, and the SF-36 v2 Health Survey for quality of life. Standardised data collection and statistical procedures ensured reliability of the results, while internal consistency analysis confirmed that the adapted scales demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in the Ukrainian context. The results established that among several tested hypotheses, only one yielded a significant result: a moderate positive correlation between the total score of social capital and digital well-being (r = 471, p < 0.001). This indicated that individuals with broader and stronger social networks were more likely to experience balance, regulation, and emotional security in digital environments. At the same time, higher levels of digital competence and satisfaction were associated with greater opportunities for social fulfilment. Other hypothesised links, including those between social capital and overall quality of life or physical health indicators, were not statistically supported. These results contributed to the emerging literature on digital mental health by identifying social capital as a significant correlate of digital well-being, even when broader well-being indicators show weaker associations. The practical value of the study lies in its applicability for psychologists, educators, and digital health specialists who may use the results to design interventions that strengthen social networks and improve individuals’ interaction with digital technologies