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Abstract

Mental health among undergraduate students has become a global concern, with traditional research focusing primarily on psychopathological symptoms rather than positive mental health indicators. This study examined the relationship between early life experiences, religious beliefs, and positive mental health among Nigerian undergraduates, addressing a gap in non-Western mental health research. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 undergraduate students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using three validated instruments: the Early Life Experiences Scale (ELES), the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS-5), and the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH). Simple linear regression analyses were performed to test the study hypotheses. The sample comprised 66% females and 34% males, with 99% identifying as Christian. Early life experiences significantly predicted positive mental health, explaining 2.3% of the variance, with negative early experiences associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Religious beliefs also significantly predicted positive mental health, accounting for 7.3% of the variance, with stronger religious beliefs associated with better mental health. The findings demonstrate that adverse early life experiences negatively impact positive mental health, while religious beliefs serve as a protective factor, enhancing mental well-being among Nigerian undergraduates. These results support the integration of early life history and religious considerations in mental health interventions for university students in collectivistic, religious contexts.
 Keywords: Positive Mental Health, Early Life Experiences, Religious Beliefs, Undergraduate Students, Nigeria.