Effect of Peer Support on Resilience and Emotional Regulation among University Students: Mediating Role of Stress Management

Abstract

This current study was carried out to analyze the impact of peer support on resilience and emotional regulation in university students considering the mediating influence of stress management. Quantitative correlational research approach with a convenient sampling technique was used for the current study. Information was gathered from 150 university students of Pakistan (n = 81 males and n = 69 females) with ages between 18-27 years using standardized measures: Friend subscale of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), perceived stress scale (PSS-10), brief resilience scale (BRS), and emotional regulation questionnaire (ERQ). Pearson correlation, regression analysis and mediation analysis using bootstrapping approach was performed. It was found that peer support had a significant positive effect on emotional regulation (B = .34, p < .001), however, its direct effect on resilience was not significant. Most importantly, stress management partially mediated the link between peer support and resilience (B = .39, p < .05) as well as emotional regulation (B = .32, p < .05). The current study underscores the important significance of peer support network along with stress management interventions in enhancing psychological well-being of university students.