Impact of University Students’ Social Relationships on Mental Health and Time Management: Focusing on Loneliness and Social Isolation

Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of social relationships on mental health and time management among university students, and to understand the association between these variables. Methods: An online survey involving 125 university students in their twenties evaluated loneliness, social isolation, mental health, and time management. Descriptive statistics were used to outline participant characteristics. An ANOVA was performed to determine differences in mental health and time management across social participation levels. Pearson correlation was employed to explore the relationships among the variables, and multiple regression analysis identified the specific impact of loneliness and social isolation on mental health and time management. Results: The analysis revealed significant differences in mental health and time management according to levels of social participation. Multiple regression analysis indicated that loneliness and social isolation had significant negative effects on mental health and time management abilities. Conclusion: It is imperative to establish supportive social systems and implement systematic services to address loneliness and social isolation among university students. Interventions by occupational therapists are essential for reintegration.