PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT INFLUENCE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING DIMENSIONS OF NON-INDIGENE FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Authors

  • Chibuzor Uchenna ONUOHA
  • Aderonke Adebola AKINTOLA

Keywords:

Perceived social support, psychological well-being, non-indigene students, Nigeria

Abstract

  Positive psychology research suggests that social support is related to healthy psychological functioning of individuals. This study examined the direct influence of perceived social support on psychological well-being dimensions among a sample of undergraduate students in Nigeria. The research was designed as a cross-sectional ex post facto study. Participants included 142 male and 162 female non-indigene first year undergraduate students in a state-owned semi-rural university. Their mean age is 19.68 (S.D = 2.35). A self-report structured questionnaire with revalidated scales were administered on study participants. Results showed significant main effect of perceived social support on psychological well-being {F (6, 295) = 6.28, p = .000; Wilks’ ˄ = 0.78, partial ƞ2 = .113}. Result for independent influence showed that more favorable perception of social support predicted autonomy, positive relations and self-acceptance. It is recommended that access to more social support sources be improved for non-indigene first year students as this enhanced their psychological well-being.   

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Published

2018-12-06

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Vol. 21 No. 3 (2018): AFRICAN JOURNAL FOR THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF SOCIAL ISSUES

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