Emotion regulation habits and emotional states of college students during lockdown: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of negative emotional states, such as anxiety and depression, has increased annually. Although personal habits are known to influence emotional regulation, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate emotion regulation habits impact on students negative emotions during lockdown, using the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as a case example.

METHODS

During the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted at a Chinese university. Emotional states were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), while demographic data and emotion regulation habits were collected concurrently. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0 and included χ²-tests for intergroup comparisons, Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient analysis to examine associations, and stepwise linear regression modeling to explore the relationships between emotion regulation habits and emotional states. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

Among the 494 valid questionnaires analyzed, the prevalence rates of negative emotional states were as follows: Depression (65.0%), anxiety (69.4%), and stress (50.8%). DASS-21 scores (mean ± SD) demonstrated significant symptomatology: Total (48.77 ± 34.88), depression (16.21 ± 12.18), anxiety (14.90 ± 11.91), and stress (17.64 ± 12.07). Significant positive intercorrelations were observed among all DASS-21 subscales (P < 0.01). Regression analysis identified key predictors of negative emotions (P < 0.05): Risk factors included late-night frequency and academic pressure, while protective factors were the frequency of parental contact and the number of same-gender friends. Additionally, compensatory spending and binge eating positively predicted all negative emotion scores (β > 0, P < 0.01), whereas appropriate recreational activities negatively predicted these scores (β < 0, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

High negative emotion prevalence occurred among confined students. Recreational activities were protective, while compensatory spending and binge eating were risk factors, necessitating guided emotion regulation.

Keywords: Emotional states; Emotion regulation habits; College students; Coronavirus disease 2019; Lockdown; Prevalence

Core Tip: Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent among college students. Negative emotions, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, can significantly impact this population, especially in closed environments. A clear example was seen during coronavirus disease 2019 lockdowns, when prolonged isolation at home or on campus led to information blockage, disrupted education, and social isolation. To investigate the impact of lockdowns on college students’ mental health, we conducted an online survey at a Chinese university using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. We found a high prevalence of negative emotions among confined students. Recreational activities helped mitigate distress, while compensatory spending and binge eating worsened mental health. In all, Proactive measures should be implemented to guide healthy emotion regulation habits among college students, particularly in high-stress environments.