Educational Continuation, Social Support and Mental Well-being among Married and Unmarried Women

Marriage plays a vital role in the choice and continuation of education. Women with higher education and strong social support tend to exhibit higher levels of mental well-being. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between social support and mental well-being among married and unmarried women. It also examined how marital status influences educational continuation, highlighting how married and unmarried women may change their preferences regarding education, which in turn affects their mental well-being. A sample of N = 200 women aged 16 to 50 was used in this study, consisting of n = 37 married and n = 163 unmarried women. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) developed by Zimet (1990), and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB) developed by Carol D. Ryff (1995), were used to assess social support and psychological well-being. The survey method was employed using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The results showed a positive relationship between social support and mental well-being among both married and unmarried women. According to the regression analysis, social support accounted for 13% of the variance in psychological well-being, indicating that social support is a significant predictor. Additionally, women who received strong social support from their families demonstrated better mental well-being compared to those with lower levels. It is recommended that the government implement policies to ensure women's access to education.