Psychological capital and orientation to happiness as protective factors for coping among first year university students in South Africa

ABSTRACT First-year students experience various stressors in their attempt to adapt to their new academic environment, which undoubtedly require them to employ effective coping styles. This study was conducted to examine psychological capital (PsyCap) and happiness as predictors of coping among university students. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were collected using standardised questionnaires from 207 students in a public university in South Africa. Data analysed using both simple and standard multiple regression showed that optimism, hope and resilience were associated with productive coping. The study also found that pleasure and meaningful engagement were significantly related to productive coping. The findings of this study underscore the need for interventions that focus on developing constructive psychological resources that will result in the use of more constructive coping strategies when faced with stressors.