A predictive model for subjective well-being based on social support, sense of belonging and academic uncertainty in a Chilean university context

Introduction: The well-being of students has taken centre stage in recent years due to the increase in anxious and depressive symptoms while studying. Despite extensive research there is no clarity regarding the differential value that different variables of social integration in the academic context have on the subjective well-being of students. The objective of this paper was to evaluate a predictive model for subjective well-being based on perceived social support, sense of belonging and uncertainty in the academic context during university studies. Method: An associative-predictive study was carried out that included 853 (25.6% men, 72.2% women and 2.2% non-binary) students from Psychology (60.6%) and Social Work (39.4%) at a Chilean university. In a cross-section of time, a questionnaire composed of several scales was applied to collect data. Subsequently, a predictive model of subjective well-being was estimated, based on the variables previously indicated, using the Structural Equation Modelling technique using Jasp 0.17.2.1 software. Conclusions: The results showed that both perceived social support and sense of belonging were significant and positive predictors of subjective well-being. Experienced uncertainty did not turn out to be a predictor of subjective well-being, but it was inversely related to support and belonging. These results offer novel evidence of usefulness to incorporate into work to improve levels of well-being among college students.