Emotional Regulation and Psychosocial Well-Being of Adolescent Girls After Relationship Breakups
A Case Study in Bantul, Indonesia
Keywords:
Emotion regulation, Adolescent Well-being, Psychosocial Resilience, BreakupAbstract
Purpose – This study investigates how adolescent girls regulate their emotions and maintain psychosocial well-being after experiencing relationship breakups. Breakups during adolescence often trigger psychological distress, such as confusion, sadness, and lowered self-esteem, which may disrupt personal development and social functioning. The research aims to understand emotional regulation strategies and the factors influencing resilience among female high school students.
Design/methods/approach – Using a qualitative case study design, in-depth interviews and observations were conducted with four female students aged 16–18 at SMK N 1 Sanden, Bantul, Indonesia. Data were analyzed thematically, guided by emotion regulation theory, to explore coping strategies and social support mechanisms.
Findings – The study reveals that participants employed three dominant regulation strategies: positive refocusing, positive reappraisal, and putting experiences into perspective. Individual factors, such as personality and self-awareness, played a primary role in regulating emotions, while family and peer support acted as reinforcing elements. Despite emotional challenges, most participants demonstrated resilience and an ability to reframe negative experiences into personal growth opportunities.
Research implications/limitations – The study’s small sample size limits the generalizability of findings but offers deep insights into adolescent coping mechanisms in a local cultural context. It highlights the need for school-based psychosocial interventions and parental involvement to strengthen adolescent resilience.
Originality/value – This research contributes to the literature on adolescent emotional well-being by contextualizing emotion regulation strategies within the Indonesian cultural setting. It underscores the importance of psychosocial support systems in promoting healthy youth development after relational setbacks.
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