Conational Drivers of Psychological Well-Being (PWB) and Psychology During Online Distance Learning (ODL): Evidence from Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) Students in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the significance of online learning antecedents (i.e., technical and financial issues, burden of assignments, non-conducive learning environment, students' attitudes, time management, instructors, and fatigue) to psychological well-being.

Theoretical framework:  There are two levels of variables included in the theoretical framework of the current study, which are the antecedent variables (i.e., technical and financial issues, burden of assignments, non-conducive learning environment, students' attitudes, time management, instructors, and fatigue) and psychological well-being. The model has a direct relationship between independent variables and psychological well-being. Theories of Human Well-Being and Subjective Well Being

Quality of Life Theory shall form the basis of the theoretical framework for this study.

Design/methodology/approach: Data were analyzed using structured partial least squares modelling (PLS-SEM) where Smart PLS version 4 statistical software was used for the PLS-SEM analysis. In this quantitative study, data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the sample included 386 Malaysian university students who were currently enrolled in an online course.

Findings:  The findings revealed that all online learning antecedents were significantly related to students' psychological well-being. Besides, the findings also showed that technology and financial issues had a greater impact on the psychological well-being of university students, while the other factors had a moderate effect.

Research, Practical & Social implications: Future research may discover some lecturer-related factors that influence students' online learning experiences. For example, in the case of students, other demographic factors such as students’ age, gender, and degree programmes can be investigated to identify the challenges faced by students and the strategies they employ to overcome the challenges. Since this study only consists of business and management as well as accounting students, future studies can focus on other degree programmes at the university. Future studies can also expand the learning context to several higher education institutions from different geographical regions to increase the robustness of the findings

Originality/value: To improve students' psychological well-being, all parties should work together to ensure the success of online learning among university students. Additionally, academic advisors and university counselling services should also increase supportive counselling for students with average academic performance to promote online learning and mental health. In essence, for online learning to succeed, institutions must first train students to take initiative such as communicating with lecturers and classmates or self-study

Keywords: Psychological Well-Being, University, Online Lerarning, Malaysia