The Pursuit of an Educational Career and the Role of Mental Well-Being: A Survey among University Students

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The study aimed to explore how academic career and parental involvement create effects on life fulfillment and psychological well-being of university students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey research design is used in this study. A convenient sampling technique with a sample size of 300 participants, having an age range of 18-29 years used in this study. For the targeted population, data were collected from a battery of instruments like demographics questionnaire, RIASEC Inventory Scale, Perceived Parental Support Scale (PPSS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS).

Findings: The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between educational career and mental well-being. In addition, results also showed a significant positive correlation with parents' support and satisfaction in life. However, the results demonstrated that parental support did not act as a mediator between mental well-being and life satisfaction.

Conclusion: These findings illuminate critical cultural boundaries in career development theory, revealing that in Pakistan's collectivist context, personal career alignment enhances mental well-being but does not guarantee life satisfaction, likely due to overriding family expectations. The results underscore an urgent need for culturally attuned student support frameworks in South Asian higher education.