Exploring the Interplay of Psychological Well-Being and Social Support among Adolescents: A gender Perspective

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between psychological well-being (PWB) and perceived social support among adolescent students, with a focus on gender differences and the interaction effects of gender and social support. A total of 200 students from 10th and 11th grades across four schools in Amritsar participated in the research. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was employed to assess perceived support from family, friends, and significant others, while PWB was measured using Ryff's 42-item scale. Descriptive analyses revealed that students reported moderate levels of social support and PWB. Correlation analyses indicated significant positive relationships between PWB and all three sources of social support, with significant other support showing the strongest correlation. ANOVA results demonstrated no significant differences in PWB based on gender, suggesting that both boys and girls experience similar levels of psychological well-being. Furthermore, no significant interaction effects between gender and social support on PWB were found. These findings underscore the importance of perceived social support in enhancing adolescent well-being, irrespective of gender. The study highlights the need for interventions that foster supportive relationships among adolescents to promote their psychological health.