Psychological wellbeing among university students: a biopsychosocial model of resilience, perceived stress, social support, and physical activity

INTRODUCTION: Drawing on the biopsychosocial model, this study examined how resilience, perceived stress, social support, and physical activity influence psychological wellbeing among university students.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 452 undergraduate students from universities in Shandong Province, China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test direct and mediating effects, while moderation analyses were used to examine interaction effects.

RESULTS: The results indicated that: (1) resilience had a significant negative effect on perceived stress and a significant positive effect on psychological wellbeing; (2) perceived stress significantly and negatively predicted psychological wellbeing; (3) perceived stress partially mediated the relationship between resilience and psychological wellbeing, indicating that resilience enhanced wellbeing both directly and indirectly by reducing stress; (4) social support significantly moderated the association between resilience and perceived stress, such that the stress-buffering effect of resilience was stronger at higher levels of social support; and (5) physical activity significantly moderated the relationship between perceived stress and psychological wellbeing, with higher levels of physical activity weakening the negative impact of stress on psychological wellbeing.

DISCUSSION: By integrating psychological, social, and behavioral factors within a biopsychosocial framework, this study clarifies the mechanisms underlying psychological wellbeing among university students. The findings highlight the importance of resilience development, stress reduction, social support enhancement, and physical activity promotion in university-based mental health education and intervention programs.