Affecting Factors on Social Problem-Solving Ability of University Students

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study is a descriptive research to identify the factors influencing university students’ ability to solve social problems.Method/Statistical analysis: From November 18 to December 16, 2017, 250 university students in Korea were surveyed and data was collected. Data was pulled from 213 questionnaires as 37 questionnaires were inappropriately responded. SPSS Win 22.0 Program was used for data analysis.Findings: The social problem-solving ability of university students showed a positive correlation with social support (r = .377, p <.001) and self-efficacy (r = .613, p <.001), and negative correlation with fatigue (r = -. 311, p <.001). As a result of stepwise multiple regression with general characteristics and major variables as independent variables the study identified the factors affecting the social problem-solving ability of university students. The most influential factors in the social problem-solving ability of university students were self-efficacy (?=.498, p<.001), fatigue (?=-.210, p<.001) and emotional support (?=.325, p=.007), indicating a total explanatory power of 42.8% (F=50.172, p<.001).Improvements/Applications: It is necessary to develop a program to improve the problem-solving ability of university students in the future, and further study additional variables and mediating factors affecting problem-solving ability.