The Effect of the Mediating Role of Social Support in the Relationship between Psychological Capital and Mental Well-being in Students with Learning Disabilities

Background and purpose: Students with learning disabilities face difficulties in social, emotional, and academic aspects. The main objective of this study is to examine how social support plays a role in the connection between psychological capital and mental well-being in these students. Materials and methods: The research used both correlational and cross-sectional methods in addition to structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population for the study comprised all students with learning disabilities residing in Tehran from July to November ۲۰۲۳. A sample of ۲۵۰ adolescent students with a history of learning disabilities was selected using a multi-stage cluster and targeted sampling method. The research utilized measurement tools such as the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Subjective Well-being Scales (SWS), and Luthans Psychological Capital Questionnaires (PCQ). Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS version ۲۷ software, while path coefficients between variables were analyzed using SmartPLS version ۴ software. The significance of the mediator variable was assessed using Sobel's test. Results: The present study found that Self-Efficacy positively influenced Mental well-being through the Social Support variable, with a significant effect (β=۰.۲۴۱, P=۰.۰۰۰). Hope had a beneficial effect on mental wellness through social support, with a substantial positive impact (β=۰.۰۹۱, P=۰.۰۱۷). "Nonetheless, there was no notable impact of Optimism on mental health when considering the Social support factor (β=-۰.۰۱۴, P=۰.۷۵۰)." Conclusion: The results of this study show that hope and self-efficacy, two psychological assets, improve both mental well-being and social support. However, optimism only boosts well-being, while resilience only improves social support.

Keywords:

Social Support , psychological capital , Mental well-being , Learning disabilities