SOCIO-CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

Emotional well-being in higher education is formed by a tangled web of socio-cultural factors that extend beyond individual psychology. Culture, family dynamics, gender norms, religion, and socioeconomic status collectively determine how emotions are experienced, expressed, and managed. In the context of Indian higher education, emotional distress among students has become a critical problem, linked to academic pressure, social expectations, and limited access to culturally sensitive mental health services. This chapter explores how socio-cultural factors influence emotional well-being, illustration on sociological and psychological theories such as Durkheim’s concept of social integration and Engel’s biopsychosocial model. It also combines awareness from physiotherapy rehabilitation, demonstrating how emotional recovery and physical rehabilitation are interconnected. The discussion highlights the importance of culturally efficient support systems, community participation, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation approaches to encourage complete well-being in universities.