Resilience as a predictor of mental health among medical students: a cross-sectional study using PLS-SEM.
Resilience is recognized as a crucial psychological resource that enables individuals, particularly medical students, to cope with academic and emotional stress. Given the rising concern over students' mental health, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between resilience and psychological well-being among medical students.
A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from March to May 2025 among medical students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Participants (n = 385) completed standardized questionnaires assessing resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, CD-RISC) and mental health (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, SCL-90-R). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test both direct and moderated relationships.
The mean resilience score was 83.42 out of 125 (SD = 12.35), indicating a moderate to high level of resilience. The mean Global Severity Index (GSI) for mental health was 1.37 out of 4 (SD = 0.71), suggesting mild psychological symptoms. Pearson correlations showed significant negative relationships between resilience and GSI (r = - 0.45, p < 0.001). PLS-SEM results confirmed that resilience may significantly predicted lower mental health symptoms (β = - 0.41, t = 9.14, p < 0.001). Among resilience dimensions, "perception of competence" and "trust in one's instincts" had the strongest effects. Marital status moderated this relationship (β = - 0.11, p = 0.01), indicating a possibly stronger protective effect for married students.
Resilience may play a protective role against psychological distress among medical students. Specific dimensions such as perceived competence and trust in one's instincts appear particularly influential. Strengthening resilience, especially through social support mechanisms, may serve as a valuable strategy in promoting student mental health and academic performance. It is recommended that universities implement targeted resilience-building programs, such as peer support groups and stress management workshops, to enhance students' psychological well-being.
A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from March to May 2025 among medical students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Participants (n = 385) completed standardized questionnaires assessing resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, CD-RISC) and mental health (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, SCL-90-R). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test both direct and moderated relationships.
The mean resilience score was 83.42 out of 125 (SD = 12.35), indicating a moderate to high level of resilience. The mean Global Severity Index (GSI) for mental health was 1.37 out of 4 (SD = 0.71), suggesting mild psychological symptoms. Pearson correlations showed significant negative relationships between resilience and GSI (r = - 0.45, p < 0.001). PLS-SEM results confirmed that resilience may significantly predicted lower mental health symptoms (β = - 0.41, t = 9.14, p < 0.001). Among resilience dimensions, "perception of competence" and "trust in one's instincts" had the strongest effects. Marital status moderated this relationship (β = - 0.11, p = 0.01), indicating a possibly stronger protective effect for married students.
Resilience may play a protective role against psychological distress among medical students. Specific dimensions such as perceived competence and trust in one's instincts appear particularly influential. Strengthening resilience, especially through social support mechanisms, may serve as a valuable strategy in promoting student mental health and academic performance. It is recommended that universities implement targeted resilience-building programs, such as peer support groups and stress management workshops, to enhance students' psychological well-being.