The Impact of COVID-19 Risk Perception on College Students' Positive Psychological Capital: the Role of Psychological Resilience and Social Support

Abstract

In order to explore the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and positive psychological capital in college students, this study investigates the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of social support. Methods: In this study, 586 college students were surveyed by COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale, Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire, Chinese Version of Resilience Scale and Social Support Scale. Results: (1) There is a significant negative correlation between COVID-19 risk perception and positive psychological capital, that is, COVID-19 risk perception can significantly and negatively predict the positive psychological capital of college students. (2) Psychological resilience plays a mediating role between risk perception and positive psychological capital. (3) Social support plays a weakening role in the negative prediction of risk perception on positive psychological capital. Conclusions: COVID-19 risk perception not only directly reduces positive psychological capital, but also affects positive psychological capital of college students through psychological resilience; social support can adjust the negative impact of risk perception on positive psychological capital. This study reveals the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and college students' positive psychological capital and its mechanism, which has positive enlightenment significance for improving college students' mental health status and better promoting self-regulation during major public health events.