Predictors of positive mental health in higher education students. A cross-sectional predictive study

Abstract

Purpose: To describe positive mental health (PMH) psychological vulnerability (PV) and identify predictors of PMH in higher education students (HES).

Design and methods: A cross-sectional, predictive study was performed with a convenience sample of 3322 students, using an online questionnaire with sociodemographic information, the PMH Questionnaire, and the PV Scale.

Findings: The majority scored a flourishing level, and 67.7% of the participants scored high levels of PV. The Regression Model found a significant predictive variable for PMH.

Practice implications: Gender, age, regular exercise, healthy diet, number of meals per day, and leisure activities are significant positive predictors of PMH. PV is the sole significant negative predictor. Therefore, improving mental health literacy can be a strategy to support HES.

Keywords: health predictors; literacy; positive mental health psychological vulnerability; students.