Investigating the Impact of Deviant Factors on the Psychological Well-being of Schoolchildren in South Punjab

Positive psychological well-being is essential for engaging children in school and family life. This research examines the influence of deviant factors (virtual violence, bullying, and socioeconomic status) on the psychological well-being of schoolchildren in rural South Punjab. Using convenience sampling, 200 male students from government lower-secondary schools across six districts were recruited for this quantitative cross-sectional research. AMOS 21.0 was used to apply Structural Equation Modeling to assess the impact of deviant factors on the students’ psychological well-being. The results reveal that virtual violence causes a 15.1% variance, representing the most considerable negative impact on schoolchildren’s psychological well-being among all deviant factors. This research concludes that the three deviant factors affect students' emotional resilience and mental state, resulting in their poor psychological well-being. Hence, it is strongly recommended that school management, teachers, and parents collaborate to create a healthier environment through awareness programs and parental guidance initiatives.