The Role of Stress in the Social Support–Mental Health Relationship

Abstract

This study examined the mediating effect of psychological stress in the relationship between social support and mental health symptomatology in undergraduate students. Participants (n = 368) completed measures of social support, psychological stress, and mental health symptomatology. Bootstrapping estimates of indirect effects indicated a significant influence of psychological stress in the relationship between social support and both anxiety and depression symptomatology. Implications for mental health promotion and treatment on college campuses are discussed.