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1- Department of Psychology, Khom.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomein, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Khom.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomein, Iran ,bayatasghari@proton.me
3- Department of Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Khom.C., Islamic Azad University, Khomein, Iran ,
3- Department of Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
Abstract: (43 Views)
Objective: This cross-sectional correlational study investigated the associations between emotional exhaustion, mental toughness (also referred to as psychological hardiness), and psychological well-being among Iranian adolescents.
Methods: A sample of 241 high school students (aged 15–18; 53.1% female) from Isfahan, Iran, was selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Participants completed the 18-item short form of Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (α = 0.83), the Emotional Exhaustion Scale (ECE; α = 0.84), and the Psychological Hardiness Scale (α = 0.85). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression in SPSS 26.
Results: Emotional exhaustion was negatively associated with psychological well-being (r = -0.44, P < 0.01), while mental toughness showed a positive association (r = 0.43, P < 0.01), with the control dimension demonstrating the strongest correlation (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). The two variables together accounted for 26% of the variance in well-being (R² = 0.26, F = 42.67, P < 0.001). Both were significantly associated with all six dimensions of psychological well-being.
Conclusion: Findings suggest emotional exhaustion is a risk factor and mental toughness a protective resource in this sample. Strengthening the sense of control may buffer negative associations. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal inferences cannot be made, and the modest explained variance indicates other important factors. Generalizability is limited to similar Iranian high school populations.
Methods: A sample of 241 high school students (aged 15–18; 53.1% female) from Isfahan, Iran, was selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Participants completed the 18-item short form of Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (α = 0.83), the Emotional Exhaustion Scale (ECE; α = 0.84), and the Psychological Hardiness Scale (α = 0.85). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression in SPSS 26.
Results: Emotional exhaustion was negatively associated with psychological well-being (r = -0.44, P < 0.01), while mental toughness showed a positive association (r = 0.43, P < 0.01), with the control dimension demonstrating the strongest correlation (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). The two variables together accounted for 26% of the variance in well-being (R² = 0.26, F = 42.67, P < 0.001). Both were significantly associated with all six dimensions of psychological well-being.
Conclusion: Findings suggest emotional exhaustion is a risk factor and mental toughness a protective resource in this sample. Strengthening the sense of control may buffer negative associations. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal inferences cannot be made, and the modest explained variance indicates other important factors. Generalizability is limited to similar Iranian high school populations.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Analytical approach
Received: 2026/06/3 | Accepted: 2026/07/28
Received: 2026/06/3 | Accepted: 2026/07/28
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