A Study on the Mechanism of the Effect of Interpersonal Relationship Quality on Psychological Exhaustion Among College Students

Abstract

This study employed questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews to systematically explore the association between three types of interpersonal relationships—family, friendship, and romantic relationships—and psychological internal conflict among university students. Descriptive analysis revealed that university students overall exhibit a high degree of psychological internal conflict, with balanced scores across the dimensions of low self-confidence, high sensitivity, and strong indecision; Further research found that family intimacy and adaptability are significantly negatively correlated with psychological exhaustion through direct resolution of family conflicts, indirect development of social skills, and provision of emotional buffers. Friendship quality is also significantly negatively correlated with psychological exhaustion through the establishment of psychological safety boundaries, optimisation of interaction patterns, and enhancement of cognitive regulation functions. Among romantic attachment styles, secure attachment types (low avoidance + low anxiety) exhibit the lowest levels of psychological exhaustion. The avoidance dimension influences communication and conflict resolution strategies, the anxiety dimension exacerbates suspicion cycles through trust mechanisms, and college students with limited romantic experience are more prone to falling into negative emotional friction cycles. This study provides a multi-dimensional theoretical basis for psychological intervention among college students, encompassing family support, social quality, and romantic relationship regulation.