Between Hearts, Minds, and Grades: A Study On The Link Between Interpersonal Relationships, Mental Health, and Academic Outcomes

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between mental health, the quality of personal relationships, and academic performance among university students, focusing on how interpersonal relationships and academic achievement influence psychological well-being within collectivistic cultural contexts such as Indonesia and Pakistan. Participants were university students from various faculties in both countries, selected through convenience sampling, who completed a Google Form containing the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationship Structures (ECR-RS), and self-reported academic grades. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and multiple regression.  Moreover, 49.2% of students reported that romantic relationships were the most influential in their emotional lives, and 80.8% stated they could not discuss their romantic problems with their parents. The findings indicate that lower relationship quality and poor emotional regulation are associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, increased stress levels contribute to lower academic performance, creating a cycle of emotional strain and declining academic achievement. These results highlight the importance of emotional support and healthy emotion-regulation strategies to help students manage psychological pressure effectively.