Table A1.

Measurements for key variables.

Variables and Items	Measurement Scale	Cronbach’s α
Self-care efficacy	1–5 Likert Scale	0.74
1. I have confidence in my ability to keep my stress within healthy limits.
2. I have confidence in my ability to practice stress reduction techniques even when I’m stressed.
3. I have confidence in my ability to help myself when I feel blue.
4. I have confidence in my ability to maintain a positive attitude.
5. I have confidence in my ability to experience life’s pleasures even when I’m stressed.
6. I have confidence in my ability to cope with difficulties in my life.
7. I have confidence in my ability to use techniques to manage my stress.
Negative emotions	1–4 Likert Scale	0.89
1. I found it hard to wind down.
2. I was aware of the dryness of my mouth.
3. I couldn’t seem to experience any positive feelings at all.
4. I experienced breathing difficulties (e.g., excessively rapid breathing, breathlessness in the absence of physical exertion).
5. I found it difficult to work up the initiative to do things.
6. I tended to overreact to situations.
7. I experienced trembling (e.g., in the hands).
8. I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy.
9. I was worried about situations in which I might panic and make a fool of myself.
10. I felt that I had nothing to look forward to.
11. I found myself getting agitated.
12. I found it difficult to relax.
13. I felt downhearted and blue.
14. I was intolerant of anything that kept me from getting on with what I was doing.
15. I felt I was close to panic.
16. I was unable to become enthusiastic about anything.
17. I felt I wasn’t worth much as a person.
18. I felt that I was rather touchy.
19. I was aware of the action of my heart in the absence of physical exertion (e.g., sense of heart rate increase, heart missing a beat).
20. I felt scared without any good reason.
21. I felt that life was meaningless.
Diener’s psychological well-being scale (measurements for both relationship- and schoolwork-related mental health)	1–5 Likert Scale	0.83 for relationships;
1. I still lead a purposeful and meaningful life despite relationship/schoolwork stress.		0.88 for schoolwork
2. My overall social relationships are supportive and rewarding during situations like this.
3. I am still engaged and interested in my daily activities during situations like this.
4. I actively contribute to the happiness and well-being of others during situations like this.
5. I am still competent and capable in the activities that are important to me.
6. I am still a good person and live a good life.
7. I am optimistic about my future.
8. People still respect me.