"Unpacking the Stress-Wellbeing Nexus: Mediating and Moderating Influences on University Students' Mental Health"

University students face a multitude of stressors—academic pressure, family issues, financial strain, and demands from side-activities such as part-time work—which negatively affect their mental wellbeing. This study explores the impact of these stressors on perceived stress and mental wellbeing, examining the mediating role of perceived stress and the moderating influence of individual traits such as personality, coping strategies, self-esteem, and loneliness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university students using validated scales. Results revealed that all stressors significantly increased perceived stress and reduced mental wellbeing, with academic pressure being the most impactful. Mediation analysis showed perceived stress explained 45% of the variance in mental wellbeing and fully mediated the effects of financial and side-activity stressors. Academic and family pressures were partially mediated. Moderation analysis identified emotional stability and approach-oriented coping strategies as significant buffers, reducing the negative effects of stress. However, self-esteem and loneliness, while related to general wellbeing, did not moderate the stress–wellbeing link. The findings highlight perceived stress as a key mechanism and emphasize the protective role of personal resources. Interventions aimed at stress management and strengthening individual resilience are essential for safeguarding student mental health and promoting academic success.