Environmental Factors and Emotional Well-Being of Undergraduate Students in Rivers State-Owned Universities

This study examines the relationship between environmental factors and the emotional well-being of undergraduate students in Rivers State-owned universities. Specifically, it investigated the influence of physical environmental factors, including campus facilities, noise, pollution, and green spaces, as well as social environmental factors, such as peer relationships, campus community, and social support. The study adopted a correlational survey design, with a population of undergraduate students across Rivers State universities. A sample of 400 students was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC). The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between physical environmental factors and emotional well-being (r = 0.52, p < 0.05), and a strong positive correlation between social environmental factors and emotional well-being (r = 0.61, p < 0.05). Furthermore, physical and social environmental factors collectively accounted for 44% of the variance in students’ emotional well-being (R² = 0.44, F = 154.21, p < 0.05). The study concluded that both physical and social aspects of the university environment significantly influence students’ emotional well-being. Recommendations include improving campus infrastructure, expanding green and recreational spaces, strengthening social support systems, reducing environmental stressors, and promoting awareness of mental health resources to enhance students’ emotional health and academic performance.