Exploring the Relationship between Student Mental Health and Social Trust: A Case Study of Kabul Education University

Abstract

Ensuring mental health is one of the basic issues of any organization. On the other hand, social trust is one of the foundations of social participation between society members. Therefore, this research was conducted with the aim of investigating the role of mental health dimensions in predicting the social trust of Kabul Education University students. The research method was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population included all the male students of Kabul Education University, whose total number reached (2054), and out of them, using Cochran's formula, a sample size of (324) was considered. To select the samples, systematic random sampling and stratified sampling methods were used. Required data were collected using two standardized questionnaires: a general health questionnaire and a social trust questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaires was calculated using the item analysis method and their reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha scale, and the alpha coefficient was obtained (0.793) for the questionnaire of general health and (0.803) for the questionnaire of social trust. The questionnaires were sent to (324) people, of whom (311) responded. The collected data were analyzed using one-sample t-test and multiple regression analysis and IBM SPSS 23 statistical software. The results of data analysis showed that; 1) The level of mental health of students is lower than the low level (Q1=2). 2) The prevalence of social trust among students has been obtained slightly lower than average level (Q2=3) with mean of (2.87). 3) Students' mental health in dimensions of "physical symptoms" and "social function" is a positive and significant predictor of their social trust. Therefore, it can be concluded that enhancing the level of mental health of students, especially in terms of "physical symptoms" and "social function" can be a suitable strategy to improve their social trust.