Volume 15, Issue 5 (Sep & Oct- In Press 2025)
J Research Health 2025, 15(5): 3-3 |
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Ethics code: IR.SUMF.REC.1399.1090
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Khosravi R, Mahmoudiani S, Parker J, Lotfi S. Online Social Capital Contribution to Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Research Health 2025; 15 (5) :3-3
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2607-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2607-en.html
1- Department of Sociology and Social Planning, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Iran. , R.khosravi@shirazu.ac.ir
2- Department of Sociology and Social Planning, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Iran.
3- Department of Social Sciences and Social Work, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK
4- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Sociology and Social Planning, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Iran.
3- Department of Social Sciences and Social Work, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK
4- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (25 Views)
Background: Declining student mental health is a growing concern, with over 60% of college students experiencing mental health issues such as depression, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social capital is known to buffer against mental health challenges by promoting connection and support. This study aims to examine the latent construct of online social capital in the context of COVID-19 and further test the relationship between multidimensional online social capital and mental health among university students at Shiraz University.
Methods: A quantitative study was conducted with 600 students at Shiraz University. Data was collected using questionnaires measuring online social capital (number of networks, usage, activity level) and mental health. Likert scales were used, with lower scores indicating better mental health. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, path analysis, and regression.
Results: A significant negative correlation between online social networks (r=-0.137, p<0.05) and mental health, suggesting that higher engagement in these networks is linked to better mental health. Trust (r=-0.129, p<0.05) and social support (r=-0.027, p<0.05) within online networks showed negative correlations with mental health, indicating that increased trust and support are associated with improved mental health. Path analysis revealed that all dimensions of online social capital influence mental health, with trust and social support identified as the strongest predictors.
Conclusion: The research underscores the importance of universities fostering online social networks and initiatives to enhance student mental health by cultivating social support and trust. Increased engagement in online social networks, along with higher levels of trust and social support, is linked to improved mental well-being among university students.
Methods: A quantitative study was conducted with 600 students at Shiraz University. Data was collected using questionnaires measuring online social capital (number of networks, usage, activity level) and mental health. Likert scales were used, with lower scores indicating better mental health. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, path analysis, and regression.
Results: A significant negative correlation between online social networks (r=-0.137, p<0.05) and mental health, suggesting that higher engagement in these networks is linked to better mental health. Trust (r=-0.129, p<0.05) and social support (r=-0.027, p<0.05) within online networks showed negative correlations with mental health, indicating that increased trust and support are associated with improved mental health. Path analysis revealed that all dimensions of online social capital influence mental health, with trust and social support identified as the strongest predictors.
Conclusion: The research underscores the importance of universities fostering online social networks and initiatives to enhance student mental health by cultivating social support and trust. Increased engagement in online social networks, along with higher levels of trust and social support, is linked to improved mental well-being among university students.
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Psychosocial Health
Received: 2024/08/19 | Accepted: 2025/04/5 | Published: 2025/08/5
Received: 2024/08/19 | Accepted: 2025/04/5 | Published: 2025/08/5
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