Online Health Information Seeking Behavior and Thriving Quotient in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Mental Toughness

Abstract

Accurate and dependable health information has been shown to support students’ thriving capacity and overall well-being, especially during a pandemic, when students’ well-being is critical. The issue is unclear as to what truly supports the established link between students’ ability to thrive in the event of a COVID-19 pandemic. This study looks at the correlation between online health information seeking behavior (OHSIB) and thriving quotient (TQ) and the role of a positive construct known as mental toughness (MT). Researchers enrolled 830 males and females from universities in the Philippines. Online Health Seeking Information Behavior (OHSIB-12), the modified and adapted Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18), and the Thriving Quotient (TQ-30) were used as accurate and legitimate research instruments. We discovered meager levels of MT and TQ subcomponents and a high level of OHSIB in most university students. Correlation analyses revealed a positive relationship between online health information seeking behavior, mental toughness, and the thriving quotient. Mediation analysis revealed a significant mediation effect, but only on a partial scale. Developing a healthy online information search can assist students in making healthier choices, which in turn helps them feel better, thrive in an uncertain world, and achieve academic success. Mental toughness is also critical for students to access reliable health information online and thus achieve their goals even in the event of a pandemic. Proper guidance from education and health authorities was recommended for students’ OHSIB. The implications of the findings for future research were discussed.