Authors : Lavanya Wadhera

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4muekf8t

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/37xczat7

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1637

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This paper will look at the connection between rumination, emotional exhaustion and subjective well-being among college students. University is a sensitive developmental stage characterised by both academic stress and social changes which may increase mental distress. Although theoretical models, such as the Response Styles Theory and the Conservation of Resources Theory, posit that these aspects have a negative effect on mental health, there is a lack of empirical applications of these constructs. Quantitative cross-sectional research design was used and a sample of 250 university students (18 to 25) was recruited through convenience sampling. Data collection was done using standardized measures such as the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) emotional exhaustion subscale, and a standardized Subjective Well-Being Scale. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The descriptive results were moderate rumination levels (54.00), emotional exhaustion (26.59) and subjective well-being (19.20). The study did not find any statistically significant relationships between the variables as was anticipated of negative relationships. The combination of rumination and emotional exhaustion was able to explain only 0.1% of the variance in subjective well-being (R 2 =.001, p=.912). These findings suggest that rumination or exhaustion by themselves, may not directly affect subjective well-being among university populations, but rather be modulated by more interactions, e.g., social support or resilience. The study suggests the significance of bigger research designs and longitudinal research studies to understand the multidimensionality of student mental health.

Keywords : Rumination, Emotional Exhaustion, Subjective Well-Being, University Students, Academic Burnout.

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