Relationship of Interpersonal Solidarity and Student Engagement with Psychological Well-being

An average adolescent in Kerala is expected to concentrate on his or her academics. All other aspects like spiritual, psychological and social development are given scant attention. As the young person completes education, world demands competencies that are not taught in schools and the critical time of acquisition of these core competencies are long past. Interpersonal Solidarity is one among them. The present study intends to examine the relationship between Interpersonal Solidarity, student engagement and wellbeing among adolescents. A sample of 120 college students between the age 18 to 23 was selected from in and around Ernakulam District. Student Engagement Inventory by Christenson et al. (2006), Interpersonal Solidarity Scale by Wheeless (1978) and Scale for Psychological Wellbeing by Ryff (1995) were chosen to collect the quantitative data. The results indicate that Cognitive Engagement is found to have a significant relationship with solidarity and wellbeing, Inter-personal solidarity is found to have a significant relationship with Psychological engagement, Future Aspirations and Goals and well-being. The results imply that better interpersonal solidarity with teachers, elders, family members, peer members- through open talks, tutorials etc help the individual to gain greater openness as well as help the individual to channelize their energy in their goal direction rather than becoming confused and orienting to negative channels. This will help them to realize the value of the education they receive and also helps to be in love with it which in turn contribute to their wellbeing. Limited sample size and small geographical area of study are the major limitations of this study.