UNDERSTANDING ADOLESCENT WELL-BEING: THE INFLUENCE OF EMOTION REGULATION AND PEER RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

Adolescence represents a critical developmental stage characterized by rapid emotional, social, and psychological changes that significantly influence overall well-being. This study examined the relationships between emotion regulation, friendship quality, and psychological well-being among secondary school students in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. A total of 379 adolescents aged 13 to 16 years were selected from two secondary schools using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, including the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Best Friend Index, and the Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being. Correlational analyses revealed that psychological well-being was positively associated with age (r = .123, p < .05), maternal education (r = .194, p < .01), paternal education (r = .212, p < .01), cognitive reappraisal (r = .305, p < .01), and positive friendship quality (r = .322, p < .01). In contrast, a weak but significant negative correlation was found between psychological well-being and negative friendship quality (r = –.013, p < .05). Multiple regression analysis further identified positive friendship quality, cognitive reappraisal, age, and lower levels of negative friendship quality as significant predictors of psychological well-being. These findings underscore the importance of emotional regulation and social relationships in shaping adolescent well-being, highlighting the need for further research at a national scale to inform targeted interventions and support policies for Malaysian youth.