RESUMO
This study evaluated the mediating role of social support in the relationships between mental health and academic achievement and used a sample of 640 college students from lower socioeconomic status (LSES) compared to 501 from higher socioeconomic status (HSES) in China. Self-report measures of depression, anxiety, Internet addiction, self-esteem, perceived social support, and grade point average (GPA) were measured online. Group differences were examined with Chi-square analyses. Results. (1) There were significant differences in mental health, academic achievement, and social support between LSES and HSES. (2) Anxiety, depression, and Internet addiction were significantly negatively correlated with academic achievement; self-esteem and social support were significantly positively correlated with academic achievement. (3) Social support has a mediating role between mental health and academic achievement. These results proved that it is necessary to pay more attention to their mental health and develop social support to improve their academic achievement for LSES students. Previous studies have paid little attention to the LSES students, but these students are more prone to psychological problems. Therefore, this study focuses on the LSES students.