Work and Mental Health in College: The Mediating Effects of Resilience and Sense of Belonging

• In Event: Interventions to Boost Resilience

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between work demands and mental health among college students, focusing on the mediating effects of resilience and sense of belonging. Data was collected from [blinded for review] (n=3,082). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data for students who reported at least one job (n=2,083). Higher work demands were positively associated with a greater number of poor mental health days. Resilience significantly and negatively mediated this relationship. In multiple-group SEM analyses, students working one job (vs multiple) and those working a higher number of work hours (vs lower) exhibited a stronger negative indirect effect through the resilience mediating factor. Findings highlight the crucial role of resilience and suggest areas to enhance student well-being.

Author

• Eunice Park, Montclair State University