Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the psychological vulnerability of university students, making it essential to identify personal resources that can support well-being and career readiness. This study investigates the role of soft skills in predicting psychological outcomes like optimism, resilience, and self-management. A total of 1067 Italian university students completed validated self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling showed that soft skills significantly predicted all three psychological resources. Although no significant gender differences emerged, slight variations suggest the adoption of different coping styles. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating soft skill development into university programs to strengthen students' psychological capital and prepare them for the challenges of work and life in the post-COVID-19 era. Promoting inclusive and flexible interventions can support students with diverse characteristics and contribute to the creation of healthier and more equitable academic and occupational environments.