EXTENDING PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL - MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH FRAMEWORK: ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL

While there is research evidence for the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and mental health, what remains unclear are the boundary conditions that can play an important role in this relationship. Drawing from Conservation of Resources theory, this research investigated the moderating role of social capital in the association between PsyCap and mental health in a non-clinical sample of 171 college students in the United Arab Emirates. Results indicated that PsyCap and social capital positively influenced mental health, and the interaction effect of PsyCap and social capital was positively significant on mental health. Highlighting the enhancing role of social capital, the study concludes that with higher levels of social capital, the positive relationship between PsyCap and mental health is enhanced. Implications of the study on prevention and promotion of mental health are discussed