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. 2025 May 15;15(5):83.
doi: 10.3390/ejihpe15050083.

Effects of Social Capital on Depression in University Students

Mario Eduardo Castro Torres  1 , Pablo Marcelo Vargas-Piérola  2 , Aarón Marco Layme Mamani  1 , Andrea Katerine Murillo Toro  1 , Aneydith Ribera Domínguez  1 , Carlos F Pinto  3
Affiliations

Effects of Social Capital on Depression in University Students

Mario Eduardo Castro Torres et al. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. .

Abstract

This study examines how bonding social capital (BSC) is related to depression symptoms (Dsym) in university students, focusing on the mediating roles of socio-emotional support, instrumental support, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and academic stress. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 217 undergraduate students (from an initial sample of 250) using validated questionnaires. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate direct and indirect relationships. The key findings indicate that BSC has an indirect, relevant, and significant negative effect on Dsym (H5) (β = -0.201, 95% CI [-0.266, -0.216]) through six routes, involving enhanced self-esteem and reduced academic stress. The model highlights self-esteem as a critical mediator between social capital and mental health outcomes. With strong predictive validity (R2 ≥ 0.1, Q2 > 0, PLS-SEM RMSE < LM), the study provides a framework for potential interventions. The theoretical contributions include distinguishing social capital from support and prioritizing self-esteem over self-efficacy in depressive pathways. Although the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, the model advances systemic approaches to student mental health, highlighting the need for longitudinal validation in diverse contexts.

Keywords: academic stress; depression; instrumental support; self-efficacy; self-esteem; social capital; socio-emotional support.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structural model. Note: Segmented lines represent indirect relations.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Empirical model: Results of the structural model. Note: Segmented lines represent indirect relations. * CI 95% ≠ 0.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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