The Role Of Spirituality In The Relationship Between Emotion Regulation And Depression Among Young Adults In Selangor

Abstract

Background: The concept of spirituality has grabbed the attention of numerous researchers over the years, especially in the psychiatric and general health care population internationally as can be seen in the significant increase of literature on the topic. It is also recommended to be incorporated into mental health treatment as part of holistic care. However, much is still yet to be known about the applicability of spirituality, especially in the relationship between emotion regulation and depression among young adults.

Method: A cross-sectional design, consisting of 121 participants, was used to test the hypothesis that spirituality would moderate the relationship between emotion regulation and depression among young adults in Selangor. Participants were recruited online using respondent-driven sampling to answer a set of questionnaires

Result: No significant moderating effect of spirituality was identified (B = -.000, SE = .001, P = .941).

Conclusion: Spirituality, is a core concept of religion that is a unique cultural system in Malaysian society. In accordance with past works of literature, it is proposed to have a possible influence on the emotion regulationn process, leading to the decrement of depressive symptoms. Although the results of the present study did not support the claim of past literature, more research is encouraged to understand the applicability of spirituality in the relationship between emotion regulation and depression. Such knowledge could be useful in treatment planning among emerging adults. Future studies should be conducted with the limitation identified in the present study for a more accurate result.