Supervisor-postgraduate relationship and perceived stress: the mediating role of self-efficacy and the moderating role of psychological resilience

Background Postgraduate studies often entail significant stress, which can profoundly affect students' well-being and academic performance. The supervisor-postgraduate relationship plays a pivotal role in shaping stress levels among postgraduate students. This study investigates the mediating role of self-efficacy and the moderating influence of psychological resilience in the link between supervisor-postgraduate relationships and perceived stress in postgraduate students. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional research design, conducting a survey among 609 postgraduate students selected through random sampling. The participants, aged between 20 and 53 years (M = 25.14, SD = 3.63), included 265 males and 344 females from various academic stages. Data were collected using validated scales to measure the supervisor-postgraduate relationship, perceived stress, self-efficacy, and psychological resilience. The moderated mediation model analysis was conducted to examine the hypothesized relationships and effects, utilizing SPSS with Hayes' PROCESS macro to validate the statistical interactions. Results The results indicated a significant negative association between the supervisor-postgraduate relationship and perceived stress (beta=-0.27, p < 0.01), with self-efficacy partially mediating this relationship (beta=-0.14, p < 0.01). Additionally, psychological resilience moderated both the direct effect of the supervisor-postgraduate relationship on perceived stress and the indirect effect via self-efficacy (interaction effect beta=-0.10, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the roles of self-efficacy and psychological resilience in reducing stress among postgraduate students, highlighting the importance of supportive supervisory relationships. Conclusions These findings underscore the critical importance of supportive supervisor-postgraduate relationships and highlight the roles of self-efficacy and resilience in alleviating stress among postgraduate students. This study offers valuable insights for cultivating positive supervisor-postgraduate relationships and enhancing well-being within postgraduate education.