Emotion regulation strategies and anxiety in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: This study examined the association between multidimensional emotion regulation strategies and anxiety levels among adolescents and how these strategies predict different levels of anxiety severity.

Method: This cross-sectional correlational study included 463 adolescents enrolled in the 9th and 10th grades in three public high schools in Ankara, Türkiye, during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using a Socio-Demographic Data Form, the Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire for Adolescents, and the State Anxiety Scale. Emotion regulation was assessed across four dimensions: internal functional, internal dysfunctional, external functional, and external dysfunctional strategies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, multiple linear regression, and multinomial logistic regression analyses.

Results: Anxiety levels were moderate (M = 40.1 ± 10.4). Functional emotion regulation strategies were negatively associated with anxiety, whereas dysfunctional strategies were positively associated (p < 0.001). Internal dysfunctional emotion regulation showed the strongest association (β = 0.508, p < 0.001), and emotion regulation dimensions explained 41% of the variance in anxiety. Multinomial analyses showed that dysfunctional strategies increased the likelihood of higher anxiety, whereas external functional strategies had a protective effect. Internal functional strategies were also associated with higher anxiety in some cases.

Conclusion: Emotion regulation strategies are closely related to adolescents' anxiety, with differential effects across strategy types and severity levels. Internal dysfunctional strategies appear to be a key risk factor.

Practice implications: Pediatric and school nurses may enhance early risk identification by assessing both emotion regulation strategies and anxiety severity. Tailored interventions may improve preventive mental health outcomes.

Keywords: Adolescent; Anxiety; Emotion regulation; Mental health; Pediatric nursing.