Quarter-life Crisis: Spiritual Well-being as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation, Social Support, Religious Activities, and Quality of Life

Abstract

Aims This research aims to analyze the role of spiritual well-being in shaping quality of life by employing a model based on the framework of the psychological theory. Background The transition into early adulthood often brings about periods of uncertainty known as quarter-life crisis, marked by challenges in education, career, and social responsibilities. Identifying the factors that enhance Quality of Life (QoL) is essential for supporting individuals in successfully managing these challenges. Objective This study investigated how spiritual well-being mediates the relationship between emotional regulation, social support, religious activities, and QoL during a quarter-life period. Methods Using a correlational quantitative design and convenience sampling, we collected data from 255 participants aged 20-30 years using convenience sampling. We analyzed the data using structural equation Modelling (SEM) with measures adapted for the Indonesian context: the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), Emotion Regulation Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MPSS), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Religious Activities Scale. Results The results showed that emotional regulation, social support, and religious activities significantly influenced QoL, highlighting their importance in shaping positive life perceptions during quarter-life challenges. Discussion This study confirms the role of spiritual well-being in promoting the quality of life. Participants who perceived their quality of life as being enhanced through the implementation of emotional regulation, social support, and religious activities demonstrated intentions aligned with spiritual well-being. Conclusion It can be concluded that there is empirical evidence for the mediating role of spiritual well-being in the intricate relationship between Emotional Regulation, Social Support, and Religious Activities and QoL among quarter-life crisis. The findings of our study showed that Quality of Life can be achieved effectively through the Spiritual Well-Being internalization process.