A Comparative Study of Psychological Well-being among Male and Female College Students

ABSTRACT

The college phase, generally comprising the age group 18-29 years is considered as a psychologically vulnerable phase when an individual experiences drastic changes in their social and cultural environment. Coping with education, financial management, employment, and relationship issues can be stressful and may hamper an individual’s mental well-being. Gender is considered an important determinant of how a person responds to a stressful state. Several studies in the past have shown the gender influence on one’s psychological well-being. To this end, in the present study, we have used Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) for college students and made a gender-wise comparison of different well-being dimensions. We found a significantly higher environmental mastery in male students while higher self-acceptance, purpose in life and personal growth in female students. These findings suggest a gender-based difference in the approach of students to cope with emerging adulthood stress. These findings may be effective for designing targeted well-being programs for college students.

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