Examining Intra-and Inter-Personal Emotion Regulation, Psychopathology, Well-Being, and Relationship Quality in Emerging Adulthood

Identifying components of emotion regulation (ER) that contribute to emerging adults (18-29 years) psychosocial outcomes is crucial to promoting their development. This study aimed to identify emerging adults intra- and inter-personal ER strategy use and explore the associations between their ER strategy use and difficulties and psychosocial outcomes, including internalizing symptoms (depressive and anxiety symptoms and perceived stress), well-being (subjective happiness and flourishing), and relationship quality. Results showed that emerging adults utilized a range of intra- (e.g., acceptance,) and inter-personal (e.g., enhancing positive affect) ER strategies. The structural equation modelling results indicated that emotion dysregulation was the strongest predictor of emerging adults psychosocial outcomes. Some ER strategies (e.g., positive reappraisal, enhancing positive affect) were more strongly associated with emerging adults psychosocial outcomes than other strategies. The findings highlight the links between intra- and inter-personal ER and emerging adults psychosocial outcomes and can inform mental health intervention programs for emerging adults.