Author(s)

Duofang Fan ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ School of Marxism, Lanzhou Petrochemical University of Vocational Technology, Lanzhou, China

Corresponding Author

Duofang Fan

ABSTRACT

This research explores the mechanism linking family functioning to the psychological adaptability of college students, with a specific focus on the mediating effect of perceived social support. A total of 1,291 college students were administered the Family Intimacy and Adaptability Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Adolescent Psychological Adaptability Questionnaire, yielding 1,269 valid responses. Results revealed significant positive correlations between family functioning and perceived social support (r=0.512, p < 0.01), as well as between family functioning and psychological adaptation (r=0.064, p < 0.05). Perceived social support also showed a significant positive correlation with psychological adaptation (r=0.206, p < 0.01). Perceived social support fully mediated the relationship between family functioning and psychological adaptation among college students, indicating that family functioning can promote psychological adaptation by enhancing individuals' levels of perceived social support. These findings offer both theoretical and practical value for the field of college student mental health. They can directly inform the design of targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

KEYWORDS

Family Functioning, Psychological Adaptability, Perceived Social Support, College Students, Mediating effect

CITE THIS PAPER

Duofang Fan, The Relationship between Family Functioning and College Students' Psychological Adaptation: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Support. Applied & Educational Psychology (2025) Vol. 6: 179-186. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/appep.2025.060323.

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