redictive Role of Self-efficacy in Emotional Regulation and Cognitive Flexibility on Reducing Emotional Distress in University Students

Background and purpose: Emotional distress highly affects people. Self-efficacy in emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility are among the factors that could affect the level of emotional distress. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive role of self-efficacy in emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility on reducing emotional distress in university students. Materials and methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in 200 students in Iran University of Medical Sciences, 2019, selected via convenience sampling. The participants completed Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy (RESE) scale, the cognitive flexibility inventory (CFI), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data analysis was done in SPSS V23 applying Pearson correlation and Hierarchical regression. Results: Findings showed a significant relationship between self-efficacy in emotional regulation and emotional distress and its components (depression, anxiety, and stress) (r=0.53, P< 0.01). Self-efficacy in emotional regulation was found to be a good predictor of reducing emotional distress. We observed no significant relationship between cognitive flexibility and emotional distress and its components (r=0.01, P≥0.05). But, a significant relationship was detected between self-efficacy in emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility (r= -0.53, P< 0.01). Conclusion: Current study proved that there is a relationship between self-efficacy in emotional regulation and emotional distress, therefore, care neededs to be taken to improve, maintain, and promote mental health in students.