EMOTION REGULATION AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH DRUG ABUSE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Adolescence, a transition between childhood and adulthood is viewed as a phase of increased decision making, pressure and understanding one’s self. In search of their identity, adolescents experienced peer pressures and tend to engage in social problems such as drug abuse which leads them to believe in expressing their inner selves. Research on emotion regulation among adolescents has burgeoned in recent years to better understand their emotional development and ability to control emotion. Based on Gross’ Emotion Regulation Theory, emotion regulation is an emotion management skill that require individuals to better manage their emotion in an emotional experience. Past studies have indicated that this skill can help to change the way a situation is interpreted thereby decreasing its emotional impact. This paper aims to understand how emotion regulation skills can assist adolescents to cope with drug abuse, while dealing with emotional problems caused by internal conflicts, stress, family issues, and peer pressure. This study employed a Basic Qualitative Inquiry on three participants aged between 18 to 21 years old. It was found that avoiding venues associated with drug abuse, managing their thoughts, and avoiding non-supportive friends; are some methods that have helped the adolescents to have better control of themselves. This study hopes to contribute in better understanding the coping skills that can be developed to assist students who are involved in drug abuse.