Psychological Well-Being and Its Relation to Academic Performance of Students in Georgian Context

Well-being is a dynamic concept that includes subjective, social, and psychological dimensions as well as health-related behaviors. It is often thought of as one of the hallmarks of the liberal arts experience, resulting from educational encounters that both guide students in the search for meaning and direction in life and help them realize their true potential. Research of students’ well-being is conducted in various countries, but it is the first study conducted in Georgia. The objectives of the studies were to test hypothesis, that because of social, political and economic conditions, and frequent reforms in educational system of Georgia, the majority of the students have high level of depression, low level of well-being, that is reflected on their academic performance. Within the framework of the research 252 students from wide variety of disciplines, of mean age 21 were surveyed. The study methods are Ryff well-being inventory which consists of series of statements reflecting the six areas of psychological well-being, combination with Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation (CISS), from Endler & Parker and, Kucher Adolescent depression scale (KADS-6).The Results of the study show, that majority of students have middle level of well-being, do not have depression and average self-evaluated academic performance. The research also revealed that the students, who have medium or high level of academic performance, have high index of well-being, purpose of life and personal growth on scale. Also, those students who carry task oriented coping strategy, have high index of well-being, and personal growth on the scale. But the students, who carry avoidance coping strategy, have high level of depression. Key words: academic performance, coping, depression, personal growth, purpose of life, student, well-being.