Investigating the Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Emotional Styles and Subjective Happiness among University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between emotional styles and subjective happiness among university students. This descriptive–correlational study was conducted using structural equation modeling. The population consisted of all students of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 514 students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Emotional Styles Questionnaire, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Subjective Happiness Scale. Pearson correlation and path analysis were performed using SPSS and AMOS software. Emotional styles were significantly associated with resilience (r=0.13–0.36, p<0.01) and subjective happiness (r=0.14–0.29, p<0.01). Resilience showed a strong positive association with subjective happiness (r=0.46, p<0.001). Structural equation modeling indicated that resilience played a significant partial mediating role between emotional styles—particularly self-awareness, social intuition, and resilience style—and subjective happiness. The model demonstrated good fit indices (CFI=0.91, RMSEA=0.07). Enhancing adaptive emotional styles through strengthening resilience capacity represents an effective pathway for promoting subjective happiness and mental health among university students.