The role of emotional competencies in the perception of meaning in life and subjective well-being among youth

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between emotional competencies and two constructs representing the division of psychological well-being into eudaimonic and hedonic well-being: subjective well-being and the perception of meaning in life. The primary research question focused on whether – and which – emotional competencies can successfully predict the levels of these two constructs within a sample of young adults (aged 18 to 30), covering the developmental stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation within Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. The following instruments were administered to a sample of 283 participants (59.7% male): the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Short Subjective Well-being Scale (SSWB), and the Emotional Skills and Competence Questionnaire (ESCQ-45).The results indicated high and statistically significant positive correlations across all examined variables. The hypothesis was confirmed by the finding that emotional competencies are statistically significant predictors of both constructs, with a higher percentage of explained variance observed for subjective well-being (approximately 36%). Observed differences in the significance of individual predictors suggest that for the experience of meaning in life, the competency of perceiving and understanding others’ emotions is more significant, while expressing and labeling one’s own emotions is less so. For subjective well-being, the reverse pattern was found. For both constructs, the strongest predictor identified was the competency of emotional regulation and management – specifically, the ability to maintain a positive mood and utilize one’s own and others’ emotions to achieve significant life goals. Furthermore, the results showed that individuals who are in a relationship or married exhibit higher levels of competence in labeling and expressing emotions, as well as in emotion regulation and management, and a higher level of subjective well-being compared to those who are not in a partnership. We conclude that it would be beneficial to design and implement interventions aimed at developing emotional competencies in youth to enhance and preserve their mental health.