A Conceptual Framework for Chinese University Students: Active Learning and the Development of Emotional Expression, Self-Esteem, and Self-Regulation

Objective: This conceptual study develops a culturally responsive framework for strengthening Chinese university students’ psychological competence through active learning in mental health education. It focuses on the coordinated development of emotional expression, self-esteem, and self-regulation as mutually reinforcing dimensions rather than isolated outcomes. Method: Drawing on Experiential Learning Theory and Positive Psychology, the study conducts a conceptual analysis of literature on Chinese university students, cultural patterns of emotional restraint, lecture-based mental health education, and participatory pedagogical design. The analysis integrates theoretical assumptions with a ten-module active learning structure organized around classroom safety, self-value reconstruction, and regulation internalization. Results: The framework conceptually explains how active learning may narrow the knowledge-behavior gap through psychologically safe interaction, reflective practice, and the conversion of classroom experience into practical coping strategies. It proposes three intervention pathways: active interaction for adaptive emotional expression, strengths-based practice for self-esteem reconstruction, and reflective practice for self-regulation strengthening. These pathways are theoretical propositions rather than verified causal effects and require empirical testing across diverse university contexts. Conclusion: The proposed framework offers a localized and operational model for Chinese university mental health education while recognizing variation across institutions, disciplines, and student groups. It shifts the pedagogical emphasis from passive knowledge transmission to competence-oriented development and provides testable propositions and implementation guidance for future multi-site and longitudinal research.

Active Learning; Mental Health Education; Emotional Expression

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