The Protective Role of Resilience Against Mental Health Challenges in Academic Settings: The Moderating Effect of Social Support

This study investigates the protective roles of resilience and social support in mitigating mental health challenges among college students, focusing on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. The primary research questions explore the correlation between resilience and reduced mental health symptoms and the impact of social support on this relationship. Utilizing the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), data were collected from 362 college students aged 18-21 with an even gender distribution. Multiple regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between resilience (independent variable) and mental health outcomes (dependent variables: depression, anxiety, stress). Moderation analysis assessed the influence of social support on the resilience-mental health relationship. Findings revealed a negative association between resilience and mental health symptoms, underscoring the importance of resilience in alleviating depression, anxiety, and stress. Social support significantly enhanced the impact of resilience, suggesting strong social circles are crucial for student well-being. Recommendations include implementing resilience training programs (e.g., Resilience Empowerment Program) and establishing supportive networks (e.g., Peer Support Network) to bolster students’ coping mechanisms and social integration. Additionally, universities should provide accessible mental health resources and regular assessments. Future research should broaden participant demographics and adopt longitudinal designs to better capture the evolving dynamics of resilience, social support, and mental well-being, addressing limitations of cross-sectional design and self-reported data. Keywords: Resilience, Social Support, Mental Health