Exploring the Moderating Effect of Gender on the Relationship between Stress and Mental Well-being among University Students

Research indicates that females have higher stress levels and lower mental well-being compared to male university students. It is expected that gender moderates the relationship between stress and mental well-being where women are more at risk than men. This research aims to explore the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between stress and mental well-being among university students. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was used. The scales Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF) and Student Life Challenges (SLC) were selected. The data was analysed (N= 109), participants were mostly females, Germans, aged 21, and third-year psychology students from the University of Twente. A Pearson correlation coefficient, t-tests, and a moderation analysis were conducted. There was a negative relationship between stress and mental well-being for both genders. Women had higher stress levels compared to men. There were no gender differences in the level of mental well-being. Gender did not moderate the relationship between stress and mental well-being among university students. Universities’ mental health services should offer skill workshops and peer support groups to improve stress levels and mental well-being among university students.