Psychosocial Correlates of Network Orientation: A Cross-National Comparison of University Students in Mexico and Russia

Network orientation reflects beliefs about whether seeking help from others is desirable, safe, and useful. Cross-national studies have often focused on differences in the mean levels of negative network orientation; however, similar help-seeking scores may conceal distinct underlying psychosocial structures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 676 university students from Mexico (n = 422) and Russia (n = 254). Participants completed the Network Orientation Scale (NOS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Generalized Trust Scale, and Interpersonal Sympathy Scale. Mean comparisons, Pearson correlations with Fisher’s r-to-z tests, and multivariable linear interaction models were performed. Results: Mean NOS levels were similar across countries, but the psychosocial correlates differed substantially. Russian students reported higher generalized trust and higher self-esteem, whereas interpersonal sympathy was comparable between the countries. Greater interpersonal sympathy was associated with higher network avoidance in both populations, while generalized trust was associated with lower network avoidance, with a stronger effect in Russia. Self-esteem was not significantly associated with network orientation in Mexico but was significantly associated with lower network orientation in Russia. Continuous multivariable interaction models demonstrated a significant self-esteem × country interaction. Men showed higher network orientation than women in both countries. Conclusions: Although Mexican and Russian university students showed similar average levels of negative network orientation, the psychosocial structure underlying help-seeking differed across contexts. These findings suggest that help-seeking tendencies should not be interpreted solely through mean comparisons, but also through the psychosocial configurations shaping support-seeking within each cultural setting.