The Synergy of Academic Engagement, Social Support, and Mental Health among Internally Displaced University Students from North and South Waziristan (Pakistan)

Abstract

The present article aimed to investigate the relationship between academic engagement, social support and mental health outcomes of internally displaced persons. In this study, 100 university students with IDP cards from North and South Waziristan (76 boys and 24 girls) with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years old (M = 22.33, SD = 2.73), were included. Through the use of a purposive sample technique, the participants were selected from a variety of Lahore's private and public universities. Regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to examine the data. The results showed that Academic engagement has significant positive relationship with social support i.e. support from significant others, family and friends. Dedication and the two subscales of social support—significant others and family—have a strong positive correlation. Absorption is also found to have significant positive relationship with social support i.e. support from friends, family and significant others. There is a strong correlation between social support and vigor. Mental health is found to have significant positive relationship with Academic engagement i.e. dedication, absorption and vigor. Mental health is also found to have significant positive relationship with social support i.e. Significant others, friends and family. Friendship support and vigor (academic engagement) are important indicators of mental wellness.