Abstract:

The study relied on the secondary analysis of the Eurostudent Georgia national survey database collected in 2022. The sample consisted of 3207 BA university students (1743 female and 1464 male) from different Georgian universities.

The research aims to investigate the factors influencing the well-being of students in higher education settings. To accomplish this, the study adopted the PERMA well-being model as a conceptual framework, analyzing specific items from the Eurostudent survey that aligned with the dimensions of the PERMA model. These dimensions encompass positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment experienced by students in higher education.
Through exploratory factor analysis, the study identified well-being as a construct comprised of five self-reported variables: feeling cheerful and spirited, experiencing calmness and relaxation, being active and vigorous, waking up refreshed and rested, and having daily life filled with interesting activities.
To assess the predictors of student well-being, a multiple regression model was constructed, explaining 37% of the variance (R2adj = 0.371, F(16,556) = 22.05, p < 0.000). The research identified several predictors of student well-being, including satisfaction with the teaching process, encounters with discrimination and isolation, motivation levels, positive feedback and support from professors, positive classroom relationships, engagement in scientific research activities, satisfaction with academic achievements, and more. These factors were examined within the framework of the PERMA model of well-being. Notably, the study also revealed significant additional predictors, such as students' overall health conditions and financial situations. Surprisingly, the financial well-being of parents has a negative impact on students' well-being. Additional study-related factors that negatively affected student well-being emerged, possibly due to the stress stemming from the completion of tasks linked to these variables. These outcomes might also mirror the effects of implementing new standards associated with the ongoing reform of the higher education system in Georgia.
The findings are also discussed in respect to the sample characteristics, such as student gender and age, as well as their parents educational background.

Keywords:

Well-Being, students, PERMA Model, Eurostudent, Higher Education, Georgia.