Bridging Cultures, Building Resilience: Cross-Cultural Literary Perspectives and the Development of Psychological Capital in Higher Education

Abstract

Higher education environments increasingly demand not only academic proficiency but also robust psychological resources to navigate complex global and intercultural challenges. This article explores the intersection of cross-cultural literary studies and Positive Psychology, specifically focusing on the development of Psychological Capital (PsyCap)—comprising Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism (HERO)—among university students. While traditional pedagogies often emphasize the linguistic and structural analysis of literature, this paper argues that deep engagement with cross-cultural narratives functions as a transformative psychological tool. By navigating the diverse socio-cultural realities, conflicts, and resolutions embedded in cross-cultural literary texts, students undergo a process of cognitive decentering and empathetic projection. This process significantly enhances their adaptive coping mechanisms and psychological resilience. The study proposes a pedagogical framework that integrates intercultural literary reading with PsyCap development, offering a novel approach to holistic student development in the EFL and broader higher education context. The implications suggest that literature classrooms can be strategically designed as incubators for psychological resilience, preparing students to thrive in an interconnected and highly demanding global landscape.