THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF A SHORT MEASURE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AND ITS ASSOCIATIONS WITH STUDENT WELL-BEING AND ACADEMIC OUTCOMES

Andrew P. Smith*

ABSTRACT

Background: Psychological capital consists of optimism, self-esteem and self-efficacy. It is a significant component of well-being. The present study examined the microstructure of a three-item psychological capital scale. Methods: An online survey was carried out, including questions on well-being and factors related to well-being (social support, negative coping and stressors). The survey also included three items measuring psychological capital (self-esteem, optimism and self-efficacy). The survey was completed by one thousand two hundred and Ninety-three university students. Examination and coursework marks were available for the students, and their ratings of perceived work efficiency and course stress were recorded. Results: Factor analysis showed that the psychological capital items loaded on a single factor. Correlations showed that all the psychological capital items were significantly associated with well-being outcomes, course stress, and perceived work efficiency. Multivariate analyses, including the other established predictors of well-being, showed that significant associations with psychological capital were restricted to positive and negative well-being and course stress. Conclusions: The individual items from the psychological capital scale of the WPQ were correlated with well-being outcomes, course stress and perceived work efficiency. The three-item psychological capital scale from the Well-being Process Questionnaire consists of a single factor. When other established predictors of well-being and attainment were covaried, psychological capital was significantly positively associated with well-being and course stress.

Keywords: Well-being; Social support; Student Stressors; Negative coping; Psychological capital; Perceived stress; Negative well-being; Positive well-being; Academic attainment; Perceived efficiency; Course stress.