Irrational Beliefs, Resilience and Mental Health of University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between irrational beliefs, resilience, and mental health in university students. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 400 online participants from various Pakistani universities were a part of this study, predominantly female (72.3%), aged 18-25 years (MA= 22.17; SD= 2.42). Data was collected using Irrational Belief Inventory (Al-Heeti et al., 2012),Brief Resilience Scale (Smith et al., 2008) and Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale (Smith et al., 2008). Our independent variables were irrational beliefs (IBs) and resilience, while the dependent variable was students' mental health. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, Multiple Hierarchical Regression, and Independent Sample t test were used. The results indicated that irrational beliefs like
worrying, rigidity, problem avoidance, and demand for approval were positively associated with mental health issues. However, emotional irresponsibility and resilience were negatively linked to mental health issues. All sub types of IBs were significant predictors of depression whereas, rigidity, problem avoidance and emotional irresponsibility were significant predictors of anxiety and stress.
While demand for approval proved to be a significant predictor of stress. Resilience did not emerge as a significant predictor of mental health and there were no gender differences of IBs, Resilience and Mental Health Issues in university students. These findings hold implications for clinical psychologists, mental health workers, psychiatrists, and guidance counselors, suggesting that interventions like psychological therapies, behavioral techniques, college-based counseling, and family-university strategies could be incorporated into students' lives to reduce irrational beliefs and enhance mental well-being, thereby aiding their ability to cope with challenges.