The impact of medical students' interpersonal relationships on their mental health: An analysis of the mediating effect of psychological capital.

Abstract

Background: Medical students' academic studies, clinical practice, and career preparation expose them to specific pressures that significantly affect their mental well-being. Effective interpersonal relationships contribute to reducing these demands, and psychological capital is crucial in facilitating this process. It is crucial to investigate the interplay between interpersonal interactions and psychological capital to have a more profound comprehension of the psychological dynamics that impact the mental health of medical students.

Materials and methods: Five hundred questionnaires, including the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPQ), Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale for Human Relationships (CDHR), and Symptom Self-Criticism Scale (SCL-90), were delivered at a medical university in May 2024 for this study.

Results: The interpersonal relationships among medical students varied significantly depending on their involvement in social service activities (t = 2.83**, P < 0.01). Further investigation revealed notable variations in the psychological capital levels of medical students based on gender, involvement in student leadership, and participation in social services (t = 2.12*, P < 0.05; t = 2.19*, P < 0.05; t = 3.45***, P < 0.01). The link between interpersonal interactions, psychological capital, and mental health was statistically significant (-0.0495**; 0.502**; -0.452**, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The relationship status of medical students exhibited a statistically significant variation based on their involvement in social service activities (t = 2.83**, P < 0.01). Additional investigation revealed notable variations in the psychological capital levels of medical students based on gender, engagement in student leadership, and involvement in social service (t = 2.12*, P < 0.05; t = 2.19*, P < 0.05; t = 3.45***, P < 0.01). The link between interpersonal interactions, psychological capital, and mental health was statistically significant (-0.0495**; 0.502**; -0.452**, P < 0.01).