Cognitive emotion regulation strategies, empathy and compassion as predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms in emerging adult university students

Introduction: anxiety and depressive disorders are the most prevalent disorders worldwide. University emerging adults have higher rates of these disorders compared to the general population. This study aimed to examine the predictive role of cognitive emotional regulation strategies (CERS), empathy and compassion on anxiety and depressive symptoms in this population. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 362 university emerging adults. Participants completed self-report measures for anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as for CERS, empathy, and compassion. Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple linear regressions were used to study the relationship between variables and identify significant predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: Higher levels of Self-blame, Catastrophising and Personal Distress predicted greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. Rumination was an additional specific predictor of higher levels of anxiety. Higher Planning predicted lower levels of both symptoms. Compassion was not a significant predictor in the regression models. Discussion: the findings highlight the significant contribution of specific maladaptive CERS strategies (Self-blame, Catastrophising, Rumination) and Personal Distress (empathy) as risk factors for internalising symptoms in emerging university adults, while Positive Refocusing acts as a protective factor. The results underline the importance of addressing specific CERS and the management of Personal Distress in psychological interventions for this population.