Social Support, Loneliness and Emotion Regulation among Young Adolescents Living in Hostels

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17209364

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between social support, Loneliness and emotional regulation among young adolescents living in hostels. A correlational research design was used in the research, with a total sample size of N=100 adolescents living in hostels (n=15) girls and (n=75) boys. Purposive sampling was used to gather data from different hostels. Standardized self-report instruments including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were used. Pearson correlational coefficient, simple linear regression and t- test were used to test the hypothesis. The results showed that social support was significantly and negatively correlated with loneliness. A significant positive correlation was also found between social supports and emotion regulation. Furthermore, simple linear regression analysis showed that social supports predicted 9% of the variance in loneliness. While it accounted 7% of the variance in emotion regulations. However independent-sample t-test showed that girls expressing more emotional control and social support than boys. The results imply that social support is essential for lowering feelings of loneliness and improving emotional control in adolescents living in hostels. It also acts as a buffer against the difficulties associated with social adjustment and family separation. In order to promote adolescents psychological well-being, the study underscores the value of organized support networks in hostel settings and the practical ramifications for educators, hostel managers, and mental health professionals.

Keywords: social support, loneliness, emotional regulation, adolescents, hostel living