Perceived stress and social support as predictors of subjective well-being among university studies in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of perceived stress and social support as predictors of subjective well-being among university students of Benue State University in Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for this study as 300 participants were selected using the convenient sampling technique with their age range from 18–37 years old. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Social Support Scale (SSS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used for collecting data for the study. Three hypotheses were stated and data analysis was carried out using the simple linear and multiple regression analyses. Hypothesis 1 was accepted [F (1,193) = 2.084, P<.004]. Hypothesis 2 was rejected [F (1,293) = .003, P>.05]. Finally, Hypothesis 3 was not confirmed [F (2,283) = 1.214, P>.05]. There is a significant influence of perceived stress on subjective well-being among university students, while there is no significant influence of social support on subjective well-being. Finally, there is no significant joint influence of perceived stress and social support subjective well-being. It is recommended that university students should be assessed and those with high score on perceived stress should be given intervention to increase their subjective well-being also, social support from parent, guardians, staff and colleagues should be encouraged among university students and the entire university system at large.