Predicting psychological wellbeing of Al-Qadisiyah University students in Iraq through authentic personality and basic psychological needs.

Abstract

Background: The health and wellbeing of university students are considered critical variables for their performance and success. This study, conducted at Al-Qadisiyah University in Iraq, aimed to investigate the relationship between "authentic personality and basic psychological needs" and "psychological well-being" among students.

Materials and methods: This correlational research included 239 students using convenience sampling from Al-Qadisiyah University during the spring of 2024. Then, the participants were asked to complete three questionnaires of the research: The Psychological Well-being Scale (Ryff and Keyes, 1995), the Authentic Personality Scale (Wood et al., 2008), and the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (Gagne, 2003). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression methods through SPSS 26.

Results: The findings indicated a significant relationship between authentic living and psychological wellbeing (P < 0.05). Notably, the stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that out of the three subscales of authentic personality and three subscales of the basic psychological needs, only three subscales of authentic personality-authentic living, self-alienation, and acceptance of external pressures-were found to be predictive of psychological wellbeing in three steps.

Conclusion: According to the findings of the present research, fostering authentic personality in university students is crucial for improving their mental health and wellbeing.