Psychological Capital and Mental Health among Petroleum Pipeline Employees: The Mediating Role of Coping Style

Abstract

Objective:This study aims to explore the mechanisms through which psychological capital (PC) and coping styles influence mental health (MH) among petroleum pipeline employees, in order to provide a basis for promoting their mental health.

Methods:A total of 2,320 employees from petroleum pipeline enterprises were surveyed using the Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PPQ), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20). The data were analyzed using correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and the Bootstrap method.

Results:(1) All dimensions of PC were significantly positively correlated with positive coping (r = 0.267–0.546, p < 0.01), significantly negatively correlated with negative coping (r = −0.263 to −0.081, p < 0.01), and significantly negatively correlated with all dimensions of MH (r = −0.492 to −0.210, p < 0.01). Positive coping was significantly negatively correlated with all dimensions of MH (r = −0.379 to −0.189, p < 0.01), whereas negative coping was significantly positively correlated with all dimensions of MH (r = 0.129–0.258, p < 0.01).

(2) PC had a significant direct effect on MH explaining 37.3% of the variance (F = 344.493, p < 0.001).

(3) Both positive coping and negative coping had significant mediating effects between PC and MH (β = −0.015, 95% CI = −0.020 to −0.011; β = −0.007, 95% CI = −0.009 to −0.005), accounting for 13% and 6% of the total effect, respectively.

Conclusion:(1) PC has a significant positive effect on the MH of petroleum pipeline employees.(2) Positive coping partially mediates the relationship between PC and MH, and negative coping also plays a partial mediating role.