Predictors of Psychological Well-Being among Malaysian EFL University Students: Resilience and Self-Regulation
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| Title: | Predictors of Psychological Well-Being among Malaysian EFL University Students: Resilience and Self-Regulation |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Yueh Yea Lo (ORCID |
| Source: | Educational Process: International Journal. Article e2025486 2025 18. |
| Availability: | UNIVERSITEPARK Limited. iTOWER Plaza (No61, 9th floor) Merkez Mh Akar Cd No3, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 34382. e-mail: editor@edupij.com; Web site: http://www.edupij.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Predictor Variables, College Freshmen, English Learners, Resilience (Psychology), Coping, Self Management, Academic Language, Language Usage, Personal Autonomy, Student Welfare |
| Geographic Terms: | Malaysia |
| ISSN: | 2147-0901 2564-8020 |
| Abstract: | Background/purpose: The transition to tertiary education presents a critical adjustment period that demands adaptability and resilience from university students. In Malaysian universities, where English is the primary language of instruction, non-native English-speaking students often encounter difficulties in using the language effectively in academic settings. These language-related challenges can increase stress and adversely affect students' psychological well-being. Grounded in the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study examines the roles of resilience coping and autonomous self-regulation in predicting psychological well-being among first-year non-native English-speaking university students in Malaysia. Materials/methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 404 first-year students from universities in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants completed a confidential self-report questionnaire measuring psychological well-being, autonomous self-regulation, and resilient coping. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and hierarchical regression analyses to explore the relationships among the variables. Results: The results revealed significant positive correlations between psychological well-being and both autonomous regulation and resilient coping. Additionally, a strong association was found between autonomous regulation and resilient coping. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that both predictors significantly contributed to psychological well-being, with resilient coping emerging as the stronger predictor. Autonomous regulation accounted for 15% of the variance in psychological well-being, and together, the predictors explained 29% of the variance. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of fostering autonomous motivation and resilience to support the well-being of first-year non-native English-speaking students. While limited by sample diversity, findings suggest broader relevance beyond Malaysia. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural research is needed. By promoting coping skills, universities can help students sustain resilience and psychological health amid academic and language challenges. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1485229 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background/purpose: The transition to tertiary education presents a critical adjustment period that demands adaptability and resilience from university students. In Malaysian universities, where English is the primary language of instruction, non-native English-speaking students often encounter difficulties in using the language effectively in academic settings. These language-related challenges can increase stress and adversely affect students' psychological well-being. Grounded in the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study examines the roles of resilience coping and autonomous self-regulation in predicting psychological well-being among first-year non-native English-speaking university students in Malaysia. Materials/methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 404 first-year students from universities in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants completed a confidential self-report questionnaire measuring psychological well-being, autonomous self-regulation, and resilient coping. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlation and hierarchical regression analyses to explore the relationships among the variables. Results: The results revealed significant positive correlations between psychological well-being and both autonomous regulation and resilient coping. Additionally, a strong association was found between autonomous regulation and resilient coping. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that both predictors significantly contributed to psychological well-being, with resilient coping emerging as the stronger predictor. Autonomous regulation accounted for 15% of the variance in psychological well-being, and together, the predictors explained 29% of the variance. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of fostering autonomous motivation and resilience to support the well-being of first-year non-native English-speaking students. While limited by sample diversity, findings suggest broader relevance beyond Malaysia. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural research is needed. By promoting coping skills, universities can help students sustain resilience and psychological health amid academic and language challenges. |
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| ISSN: | 2147-0901 2564-8020 |
