The Effects of Psychological Well-being and Social Support on Mental Stress: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem among University Students in Malaysia

Abstract

This study examined the effects of psychological well-being and social support on mental stress among university students in Malaysia, with self-esteem considered as a psychological mechanism in the proposed model. Mental stress has become an important issue in higher education because students often experience academic pressure, social adjustment challenges, financial concerns, and emotional demands. Drawing on Stress and Coping Theory, this research explained how internal psychological resources and external support systems might influence students’ ability to manage stress. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to university students in Malaysian higher education institutions. Convenience sampling was used because a complete sampling frame was not available. The required sample size was determined using G*Power analysis, which indicated a minimum of 222 respondents for the proposed model. The data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS to assess the reliability, validity, and structural relationships among the constructs. This study contributed to the student mental health literature by providing a clearer understanding of the relationships among psychological well-being, social support, self-esteem, and mental stress, while offering practical guidance for universities, counsellors, and policymakers.