Latent class analysis of resilience and positive psychology factors among college freshmen: a cross-sectional survey

Background: Resilience has a positive impact on the mental health of college students. However, few studies have focused on group differences in resilience among first-year students. Therefore, this study aims to explore these group differences and analyze the relationship between resilience, Solution-Focused Thinking (SFT), Strengths Knowledge and Use (SKUS), and Benefit Finding (BF). Methods: Using purposive sampling, a survey was conducted with 611 freshmen from two universities. Data were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Group differences in resilience were identified among first-year students. LCA revealed three subgroups: High resilience group, Middle resilience group, and Low resilience group, which were correlated with SFT, SKUS, BF, and individual characteristics of the freshmen. Conclusions: SFT, SKUS, and BF can distinguish participants across different subgroups. Positive psychological interventions leveraging SFT, SKUS, and BF should be used to improve the resilience and mental health of first-year students.