Abstract
This study investigated the adversity and coping experiences of 198 South Korean university students and takes a cultural lens in understanding how social and individual factors shape their happiness. Hierarchical linear regression analyses suggest that Korean students’ perceptions of social support significantly predicted their happiness, particularly in their closer social circles. Additionally, their happiness was significantly shaped by their beliefs in their abilities to overcome difficult experiences, but not by their beliefs in maintaining their relationships. Findings demonstrate the importance of better preparing close family and friends to recognize and respond to warning signs, as well as exploring ways to build students’ internal coping assets within family and peer group settings.
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This research was supported in part by Stanford University’s Center for East Asian Studies.
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Lee, D.S., Padilla, A.M. Predicting South Korean University Students’ Happiness through Social Support and Efficacy Beliefs. Int J Adv Counselling 38, 48–60 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-015-9255-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-015-9255-2