Facing and Avoiding Negative Emotions in Young Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore what factors helped young adults face negative emotions, and how these factors influenced their avoidance of such emotions. In Study 1, 156 undergraduates completed an open-ended questionnaire. Based on the analysis of the answers, 27 items for facing negative emotions were developed, and along with a 10-item avoidance scale, 320 undergraduates answered them in Study 2. Factor analysis found five factors that helped face negative emotions: supportive others, confidence in negative mood regulation, comfortable environment, painful experience in the past, and will for growth. Results of path analysis indicated that confidence in negative mood regulation, supportive others, and comfortable environment were related to avoidance of negative emotions directly or indirectly. The three factors seemed to be crucial when we wanted to study how young adults faced or avoided their own negative emotions.