The Impact of Psychological Hardiness on Mental Health among College Students

The present study examined the influence of psychological hardiness on mental health among college students, with special reference to gender differences. Psychological hardiness is regarded as an important personality trait that helps individuals cope effectively with stress and maintain psychological well-being. The study employed a 2×2 factorial design within a descriptive and correlational research framework. A sample of 200 college students 100 males and 100 females aged 18–23 years was selected using a purposive sampling method. Psychological hardiness and mental health were assessed using standardized tools developed by Arun Kumar Singh and by Dr. Jagdish and A. K. Srivastav, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-test, and two-way ANOVA. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between psychological hardiness and mental health, significant gender differences, and significant main effects of hardiness level and gender, while the interaction effect was not significant.