The Impact of Social Support, Family Dynamics, and Community Engagement on Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Emotional Well-being

Abstract

This study investigates the direct and indirect relationships between social support, family dynamics, community engagement, emotional well-being, and mental health within the Pakistani context among youth having age more than 18 year age. Using a quantitative approach, the research employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected through a survey of individuals from diverse demographic backgrounds. The results reveal that all independent variables—social support, family dynamics, and community engagement—significantly and positively influence mental health. Emotional well-being emerges as the strongest predictor of mental health, highlighting its central role in promoting psychological resilience. Furthermore, emotional well-being partially mediates the relationships between the independent variables and mental health, indicating that its enhancement amplifies the impact of social, familial, and community factors. The findings underscore the need for holistic mental health interventions that address both external factors, such as social networks and family structures, and internal emotional states. The results of the study provide policymakers and practitioners with important lessons for policies and interventions promoting community programs and family strengthening initiatives that encompass emotional wellbeing as a center component. This research bridges theoretical and practical perspectives to contribute to the nascent discourse on mental health in resource constrained settings and offers actionable recommendations to improve mental health outcomes in Pakistan.