中華心理衛生協會

Purpose: This study analyzed the relationships among gratitude, social support, and well-being via a mediated-effects model. In the past, the use of directed-effects models did not address important theoretical issues concerning the means through which individuals' gratitude achieves an impact on well-being, or how contextual forces influence the effect of gratitude on well-being. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we examined the relationship between gratitude and well-being as mediated by the condition of social support. Methods: A survey was used to gather responses from a sample of 609 university students from freshman to seniors in Taiwan. Three related questionnaires were used to measure the major variables. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, multiple regression analysis, and SEM. Results: The main findings were as follows: (1) There were significant correlations among gratitude, social support, and well-being. (2) Gratitude significantly predicted social support and well-being. Social support predicted well-being. (3) The results from a directed-effects model showed gratitude had an impact on well-being. The results from a mediated-effects model indicated that social support did entail the significant mediated effect of gratitude on well-being. Conclusions: Accorging to results, we knew the importance of gratitude and social support for well-being of university students. Thus, some suggestions about how to improve and strengthen university students' gratitude and social support were provided for university administration, teachers, and researchers.