EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF MENTAL TOUGHNESS AND LOCUS OF CONTROL ON SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

This study was undertaken with a view to ascertain the effect of mental toughness and locus of control on the subjective well-being of college students. Subjective well-being is a broader concept that encompasses three major components: life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. This study was conducted on a sample of 284 college students selected by the purposive sampling technique. Data were obtained through Dienner’s SPANE and Life Satisfaction Scale, along with Denovan et al. (2024) mental toughness scale, and Pearlin and Schooler’s (1978) Mastery Scale.  Using correlational and regression analyses, it was found that mental toughness was positively associated with life satisfaction, while locus of control was positively linked to positive affect and negatively associated with negative affect. Regression results further revealed that mental toughness emerged as a significant forecaster of life satisfaction. On the other hand, locus of control has emerged as a significant predictor of positive and negative affect. The findings highlight the importance of psychological factors, namely mental toughness and belief system, in determining students’ mental health and well-being.