This study investigates the impact of perceived family support on psychological well-being, using the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) to measure emotional, social, and psychological well-being. The research constructs a model to explore the pathway through which perceived family support influences psychological well-being. The findings indicate that perceived family support has a significant positive relationship with emotional well-being, social well-being, and psychological well-being (P < 0.001). Emotional well-being positively influences social well-being and psychological well-being (P < 0.001), while social well-being positively affects psychological well-being (P < 0.001). The study also reveals direct mediating effects of emotional well-being (13.45%) and social well-being (32.82%), as well as a serial mediating effect (28.07%) between perceived family support and psychological well-being (P < 0.001). The research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms linking perceived family support to mental health and overall well-being, offering empirical support for formulating psychological intervention measures and support strategies.This study investigates the impact of perceived family support on psychological well-being, using the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) to measure emotional, social, and psychological well-being. The research constructs a model to explore the pathway through which perceived family support influences psychological well-being. The findings indicate that perceived family support has a significant positive relationship with emotional well-being, social well-being, and psychological well-being (P < 0.001). Emotional well-being positively influences social well-being and psychological well-being (P < 0.001), while social well-being positively affects psychological well-being (P < 0.001). The study also reveals direct mediating effects of emotional well-being (13.45%) and social well-being (32.82%), as well as a serial mediating effect (28.07%) between perceived family support and psychological well-being (P < 0.001). The research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms linking perceived family support to mental health and overall well-being, offering empirical support for formulating psychological intervention measures and support strategies.