Emotion Regulation and Fear of Negative Evaluation: A Correlational Analysis in Early Adolescence

Abstract

Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage characterised by rapid emotional, cognitive, and social changes. During this period, the ability to regulate emotions effectively is vital for fostering psychological well-being and healthy interpersonal relationships. Conversely, fear of negative evaluation, an individual’s apprehension about being judged unfavourably by others, can hinder social adjustment and contribute to anxiety-related difficulties. The present study sought to explore the relationship between emotion regulation and fear of negative evaluation among early adolescence in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. A total of 280 students (147 males and 133 females) aged 12–14 years were selected through simple random sampling. Standardised scales were employed to measure the two variables. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation and t-test. Results indicated a significant negative correlation between emotion regulation and fear of negative evaluation (r = –0.42, p < 0.01), suggesting that adolescence with higher emotional control experience less fear of social judgment. Additionally, a significant gender difference was found, with males demonstrating better emotion regulation than females (t = 2.45, p < 0.05). The findings underscore the importance of fostering emotion regulation skills among adolescence to mitigate social anxiety and enhance emotional resilience.

KEYWORDS:

Emotional regulation, Fear of Negative Evaluation, Expressive Suppression, Cognitive Reappraisal