Examining the Role of Peace of Mind, Gratitude, and Positive Reappraisal in Predicting Psychological Well-being Among College Students

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between gratitude, positive reappraisal, peace of mind, and psychological well-being among Chinese college students using a cross-sectional design. Participants included 336 undergraduate students from various disciplines, recruited from four universities in mainland China. Self-reported measures assessed gratitude, positive reappraisal, peace of mind, and psychological well-being. Preliminary analyses ensured data quality and addressed potential common method bias. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized measurement model, and structural equation modeling revealed significant direct effects of gratitude, positive reappraisal, and peace of mind on well-being. Additionally, gratitude and positive reappraisal demonstrated significant indirect effects on well-being mediated by peace of mind. Measurement invariance testing confirmed that the model operated equivalently across gender groups, supporting the robustness and generalizability of the findings. These results highlight the importance of gratitude, positive reappraisal, and peace of mind in promoting psychological well-being among college students, particularly in high-pressure academic environments.