Positive interpersonal relationships mediate the association between social skills and psychological well-being

Abstract

This study examined the association between social skills and psychological well-being, operationalized through a variety of positive psychological states. It was hypothesized that positive relations with other people would mediate the association between social skills and psychological well-being. A community based sample of 703 adults, aged 18–87 completed measures of social skills, positive relations with others, and the following indicators of psychological well-being: life satisfaction, environmental mastery, self-efficacy, hope, happiness, and quality of life. Results indicate that social skills were consistently and positively associated with all indicators of psychological well-being. Social skills were also strongly associated with positive relations with others. Positive relations with others proved to mediate the association between social skills and all measures of psychological well-being.