Cultural Pathways to Mental Health Promotion: A Cross-sectional Study on Hygge Practices and Flourishing among University Students in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study examined whether everyday practices inspired by Denmark’s concept of hygge (comfort, coziness, enjoying simple moments) can promote flourishing and mental well-being among university students in Kazakhstan. The cross-sectional study was conducted via the Qualtrics online survey platform. The data was collected from December 2025 to January 2026. The study included 105 participants (18-35 years old) students across Kazakhstan who agreed to participate by signing electronic informed consent. The online survey had overall 38 questions, and included 5 sections: (1) demographics, (2) hygge practices, (3) PHQ-2 and GAD-2 (to account for mental illness symptoms), (4) MHC-SF (for defining flourishing), and (5) 2 open-ended questions about hygge. Pearson’s correlation, one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations, group differences, and the predictors of flourishing with a statistical significance of p-value <0.05. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the answers to 2 open-ended questions. Data from 93 participants who fully completed the survey were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Participants aged 21-29 showed lower flourishing mental health. While in terms of the hygge practices, it was seen to be a significant positive predictor of flourishing (β = 0.56, p < 0.002) after controlling for demographic and health-related covariates. Thus, higher levels of hygge engagement were associated with greater flourishing; in contrast, depressive symptoms showed a significant negative association with flourishing. Qualitative findings from 2 open-ended questions highlighted key aspects of hygge, such as social connection, comfort, and mindfulness. The study demonstrated that despite depression symptoms being a reducing factor for flourishing, hygge was the strongest positive predictor, because it remained significant after controlling for demographic and health-related variables. Hygge may serve as both a protective and promotive factor for mental well-being. The students closer to their graduation might feel more pressure as they reported less flourishing than the reference group of 18-20. Via conducting open-ended questions, it was possible to see that students can connect Kazakhstani culture and their academic life to the hygge-like practices in real life. It is recommended that further integration of strategies for reducing depressive symptoms and promoting well-being via hygge-inspired activities in student mental health be initiated. This way, it could be possible to have a positive impact on the development of an individual as a person of strong inner will and optimistic views on their future as they are entering a real adult life full of responsibilities.