The Effect of Resilience on the Level of Psychological Distress in Individuals in the Emerging Adulthood in Terms of Neuroticism Personality

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 33 views

The Effect of Resilience on the Level of Psychological Distress in Individuals in the Emerging Adulthood in Terms of Neuroticism Personality

Introduction

The emerging adulthood (age 18-25 years) is a challenging transition period, where individuals face various changes and pressures in their lives. Factors such as academic pressure, the search for identity, and transition to adult life can increase the risk of psychological distress. However, the ability of individuals to overcome this challenge, known as resilience, can be an important support in maintaining mental health. This study aims to investigate the effect of resilience on the level of psychological distress in individuals in the emerging adulthood, taking into account the role of the personality of neuroticism.

Background

The concept of emerging adulthood was first introduced by Arnett (2000) as a stage of development that occurs between adolescence and adulthood. During this period, individuals face various challenges and pressures that can affect their mental health. Resilience is the ability of individuals to overcome these challenges and maintain their mental health. Neuroticism, on the other hand, is a personality trait characterized by negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Research has shown that neuroticism can increase the risk of mental disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders (Tackett et al., 2014).

Methodology

This study used associative quantitative methods to investigate the effect of resilience on the level of psychological distress in individuals in the emerging adulthood. The study involved 199 participants who were chosen through non-probability sampling techniques. Data was collected using a Likert scale that measured neuroticism based on the Big Five Factor Marker theory from Goldberg (1992), a psychological distress scale of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) developed by Kessler and Mroczek, and the resilience scale of Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-ISC 25) developed by Connor-Davidson (2003). Data was collected online through the Google Form.

Data Analysis

Simple regression analysis and moderation (MRA) were used to analyze the data. The results showed that:

Resilience has a significant influence on psychological distress. This means that the higher the level of a person's resilience, the lower the level of psychological distress they experience. These findings are in line with various previous studies that show that resilience is a protective factor for various mental disorders.
Neuroticism also has a significant influence on psychological distress. Individuals with high neuroticism scores tend to experience a higher level of psychological distress. This shows that the tendency to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, can increase the risk of mental disorders.
The effect of resilience on psychological distress is not significant after being moderated by neuroticism variables. This indicates that the positive effect of resilience on psychological distress can be muted by a high level of neuroticism. In other words, although a person has high resilience, a high level of neuroticism can still increase the risk of psychological distress.

Discussion

This study provides a deeper understanding of the role of resilience and neuroticism in determining the level of psychological distress in individuals in the emerging adulthood. The findings of this study suggest that resilience is an important factor in maintaining mental health during this period. However, the study also highlights the importance of managing neuroticism in order to reduce the risk of psychological distress. The development of programs that encourage individuals to build effective coping mechanisms and help them in managing negative emotions can be an important step in reducing the risk of psychological distressing at the emerging adulthood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that resilience has a significant influence on psychological distress in individuals in the emerging adulthood. However, the study also highlights the importance of managing neuroticism in order to reduce the risk of psychological distress. The findings of this study have implications for the development of interventions aimed at improving mental health in this age group. By focusing on the development of resilience and the management of neuroticism, individuals can reduce their risk of experiencing psychological distress and maintain their mental health during this challenging period.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study used a non-probability sampling technique, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study used a cross-sectional design, which may not allow for the examination of the temporal relationships between resilience, neuroticism, and psychological distress. Finally, the study relied on self-reported measures of resilience, neuroticism, and psychological distress, which may be subject to biases.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate the findings of this study using a more representative sample and a longitudinal design. Additionally, future studies should examine the mechanisms by which resilience and neuroticism affect psychological distress in individuals in the emerging adulthood. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers can develop more effective interventions aimed at improving mental health in this age group.

References

Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.

Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. T. (2003). Development of a new resilience scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depression and Anxiety, 18(2), 76-82.

Goldberg, L. R. (1992). The development of markers for the Big Five factor structure. Psychological Assessment, 4(1), 26-42.

Kessler, R. C., & Mroczek, D. K. (1994). The relationship between sex and psychological distress: A cross-cultural analysis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 103(2), 197-208.

Tackett, J. L., Lahey, J. N., & Waldman, I. D. (2014). The development of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(3), 251-262.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Resilience and Psychological Distress in Emerging Adulthood

Q: What is emerging adulthood?

A: Emerging adulthood is a stage of development that occurs between adolescence and adulthood, typically between the ages of 18 and 25. During this period, individuals face various challenges and pressures that can affect their mental health.

Q: What is resilience?

A: Resilience is the ability of individuals to overcome challenges and maintain their mental health in the face of adversity. It is a protective factor that can help individuals cope with stress and trauma.

Q: What is neuroticism?

A: Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger. Individuals with high neuroticism scores tend to experience a higher level of psychological distress.

Q: How does resilience affect psychological distress?

A: Resilience has a significant influence on psychological distress. Individuals with high resilience scores tend to experience a lower level of psychological distress.

Q: How does neuroticism affect psychological distress?

A: Neuroticism also has a significant influence on psychological distress. Individuals with high neuroticism scores tend to experience a higher level of psychological distress.

Q: Can resilience and neuroticism interact with each other?

A: Yes, the effect of resilience on psychological distress can be muted by a high level of neuroticism. In other words, although a person has high resilience, a high level of neuroticism can still increase the risk of psychological distress.

Q: What are the implications of this study for mental health interventions?

A: The findings of this study suggest that mental health interventions aimed at improving resilience and reducing neuroticism can be effective in reducing the risk of psychological distress in emerging adulthood.

Q: What are some strategies for building resilience?

A: Some strategies for building resilience include:

Developing effective coping mechanisms
Practicing self-care and stress management
Building strong social support networks
Engaging in activities that promote a sense of purpose and meaning

Q: What are some strategies for managing neuroticism?

A: Some strategies for managing neuroticism include:

Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
Engaging in activities that promote a sense of calm and relaxation
Building strong social support networks
Seeking professional help from a mental health provider

Q: How can individuals get help if they are experiencing psychological distress?

A: Individuals who are experiencing psychological distress can get help by:

Seeking professional help from a mental health provider
Reaching out to friends and family members for support
Engaging in activities that promote a sense of purpose and meaning
Practicing self-care and stress management techniques

Q: What are some resources for individuals who are experiencing psychological distress?

A: Some resources for individuals who are experiencing psychological distress include:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hotline: 1-800-950-6264
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741
Online therapy platforms such as BetterHelp and Talkspace

Q: What are some ways to promote mental health in emerging adulthood?

A: Some ways to promote mental health in emerging adulthood include:

Encouraging individuals to engage in activities that promote a sense of purpose and meaning
Building strong social support networks
Practicing self-care and stress management techniques
Seeking professional help from a mental health provider if needed

Q: What are some ways to reduce the risk of psychological distress in emerging adulthood?

A: Some ways to reduce the risk of psychological distress in emerging adulthood include:

Building resilience through effective coping mechanisms and stress management techniques
Managing neuroticism through relaxation techniques and social support
Engaging in activities that promote a sense of purpose and meaning
Seeking professional help from a mental health provider if needed