Variations in Emotion Regulation in Predicting Perceived Stress as a Function of Self-construals: A Cross Cultural Comparison of Lebanese and Dutch Youth
Authors:   , Sasso Maya 
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this cross-cultural study is to assess the emotion regulation strategies of reappraisal and suppression in predicting through independent and interdependent self-construals, the perceived stress levels and overall wellbeing of university students in Lebanon (N = 153; MAge = 21) and the Netherlands (N = 206; MAge = 19). Transitioning into the phase of university life is considered a stressful period for young adults where identities continually evolve and form, new responsibilities, and interpersonal and academic pressures emerge. Emotion regulation in such a context is important to buffer against stressors and promote overall wellbeing. Literature from predominantly Western samples has pointed to negative psychosocial outcomes associated with suppression, but studies from non-Western contexts and specifically Asian samples, have failed to support negative effects of suppression. On the contrary, positive outcomes are observed. Such variations have been associated with cultural values of individualism and collectivism, and in turn self-construals. That said, relying on one non-Western sample as a representative of how emotion regulation is utilized across all is also problematic as it assumes homogeneity across all non-Western contexts disregarding possible individual differences and intergroup differences within non-Western multicultural contexts. Hence, in this study Lebanon was studied as a non-Western, multicultural context owing to its sectarian and cultural diversity with waves of Westernization and influences from other Arab and non-Arab countries in the region. Applying a survey design, paper and pencil data collection was used in Lebanon and an online survey was administered in the Netherlands after which the hypothesized model (carrying 12 hypotheses) was tested separately for each student sample using path analysis through SPSS AMOS. Results revealed minimal use of suppression in both samples with no association with the interdependent self construal (Lebanon b = .09, p =.329; Netherlands b = .04, p =.680). Reappraisal was reported as an effective strategy in maintaining overall wellbeing in both samples(Lebanon wellbeing b =-.17, p =.025; Netherlands b =-.30, p =.01). The independent self-construal was endorsed by both Lebanese and Dutch students, indicating a pull towards individualism in both contexts, which is contrary to earlier classifications of Lebanon based on conclusions from the overall region as opposed to the unique context. Interestingly neither the endorsement of independent or interdependent self-construals predicted perceived stress levels or wellbeing for the Lebanese sample (p < .05), and no indirect effects were supported from emotion regulation to wellbeing and stress through self-construals for this sample (p < .05). Within the Dutch sample, and as expected, the endorsement of an independent self-construal predicted reduced levels of stress (b = -.34, p =.01). Additionally two hypothesized indirect effects were supported such that Dutch students who endorsed cognitive reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy and held an independent self-construal had significantly lower levels of stress (b = -.099, p = 0.001) while those who endorsed expressive suppression as an emotion regulation strategy and held an independent self-construal reported increased levels of stress (b = 0.089, p = 0.002) The present findings are discussed in reference to previous research in the field with specific emphasis placed upon Kagitcibasi’s (2002) family model of emotional/psychological interdependence in discussing results from Lebanon. The present study also argues against the unidimensional view of culture and explains the need to adjust “culture-as-a-system” generalizations. The Dutch sample’s moderate pull towards the interdependent self-construal further highlighting the need to change the lens with which culture is viewed.