Effects of Psychological Capital, Coping Style and Emotional Intelligence on Self-Rated Health Status of College Students in China During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Objective To explore the relationship between the self-reported health status, emotional coping style, emotional intelligence and positive psychological state of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The questionnaires of Self-rated Health Measurement Scale (SRHMS), Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ)were used for online survey. The study included 367 undergraduates. Results Male undergraduates had significantly higher psychological capital scores than female ( P < 0.05), and those without siblings had significantly higher emotional intelligence and psychological capital scores than those with ( P < 0.05). The students from urban had significantly higher emotional intelligence scores than those from rural ( P < 0.05). Students who spent less than 3 hours online per day had significantly higher self-rated health scores than those spending 6 hours online per day ( P < 0.05), and those who spent 3–6 hours online per day was significantly higher psychological capital scores than those who spent more than 6 hours online per day ( P < 0.05). The interaction between emotional intelligence, psychological capital and coping styles was statistically significant ( β =-0.045, P < 0.05) in health status with coping style ranking the top ( β = 21.277). Conclusion : Sex, having siblings or not, birth place and online time per day affected health status, emotional intelligence, and psychological capital in undergraduate students. Coping style is a main positive factor that affects health, which was modified by emotional intelligence and psychological capital. In this pandemic emergency, positive coping style with optimistic emotional perception and understanding is an important measure against the pandemic-induced health problem.