Students’ Engagement in Co-Curricular Activities and Psycho-social Well-being in Zhuhai City Polytechnic

This study examined the relationship between students’ engagement in co-curricular activities and their psycho-social well-being at Zhuhai City Polytechnic. A mixed-methods approach employing a descriptive–correlational design and thematic analysis was used. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 500 students enrolled in four academic programs—Modern Logistics Management, Big Data and Accounting, Cross-border E-commerce, and Marketing—through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Co-curricular activities were categorized into Arts and Music, Sports and Athletics, Traditional Chinese Culture, and Community Activities, while psycho-social well-being was assessed across emotional, social, educational, and physical dimensions. Results revealed that students demonstrated a very great extent of engagement in co-curricular activities (overall mean = 3.48) and a very high level of psycho-social well-being (overall mean = 3.60). No significant differences in students’ engagement in co-curricular activities were found when grouped by gender, program of study, or year level. However, gender significantly influenced students’ emotional, social, and educational well-being, while year level showed significant differences in social and educational well-being. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between students’ engagement in co-curricular activities and their psycho-social well-being across all dimensions. Qualitative findings identified key challenges affecting engagement and well-being, including limitations in activity design, weak connections to practical application, unequal participation opportunities, and low motivation. The study concludes that higher levels of engagement in co-curricular activities are associated with better psycho-social well-being among college students. It recommends improving the structure, practical relevance, and inclusivity of co-curricular programs to enhance students’ meaningful participation and support their psycho-social well-being.