Psychological Determinants of Students’ Academic Achievement: The Role of Well-Being
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57125/FS.2026.03.20.04Keywords:
Academic achievement, Cognitive skills, Coping strategies, Psychological well-being, Social media, Student performance.Abstract
Abstract
Background: Academic achievement is a multidimensional outcome influenced by cognitive abilities, psychological well-being, and behavioral patterns such as coping strategies and technology use. While previous studies often focus on individual factors, there is a lack of integrative reviews synthesizing these predictors. Understanding how these determinants interact is crucial for designing educational interventions and student support programs.
Methods: Databases searched included Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Search terms included academic achievement, critical thinking, problem-solving, psychological well-being, coping strategies, self-esteem, social media use, and GPA. Studies were included if they examined cognitive, psychological, or behavioral predictors of academic performance. In the present study, data were collected using a survey method. Psychological well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, a validated instrument measuring subjective well-being, and its relationship with academic performance indicators such as GPA was examined.
Results: The results show that students’ academic success and well-being are connected. In this research, most students had good academic results. About 75% of students had a GPA higher than 3.2. Students with low grades had lower well-being scores. For example, their WHO-5 well-being score was low .
The study also shows that motivation and self-confidence are important. Students who felt more motivated had better well-being. There was a positive relationship between motivation and well-being. Gender differences were small and not significant. Female students had slightly higher well-being scores than male students, but the difference was not strong .
In addition, success depends on many factors. Good mental well-being, motivation, and confidence help students study better. Students with better well-being usually have better academic results. Supporting students’ mental health can help improve their academic performance .
Conclusion: This study shows that students’ academic success is influenced by many things. It is not only about grades or intelligence. Thinking skills, mental well-being, and daily study behavior are all important for success at university.
The study also shows that students feel and study better when they have good mental health. Motivation and self-confidence help students feel well, and this supports learning. Gender was not a very important factor in students’ well-being.
In general, academic success comes from different factors working together. For this reason, universities should help students improve their thinking skills, support their mental well-being, and teach good study habits and healthy use of technology. This kind of support can help students have better academic results in the long term.
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