Cognitive Emotion Regulation and its Relationship to Depression, Generalized anxiety Disorder Eating Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder in a Sample of Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies and four psychological disorders (depression, generalized anxiety, eating disorders, somatic symptom disorders) among Palestinian adults, addressing gaps in culturally specific mental health research.
Methodology: A descriptive correlational design was employed with 208 adults (43.3% male, 56.7% female) aged 20–50 years. Validated scales—Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) and Psychological Disorder Scale (PDS)—were administered via digital surveys. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, t-tests, and descriptive statistics.
Findings: Moderate overall CER levels were observed (Mean = 3.28/5), with high use of adaptive strategies (e.g., positive reappraisal: 77.6%). Depression (66%) and anxiety (65%) were prevalent, while somatic symptoms scored lowest (51.7%). Negative CER strategies (self-blame, rumination) correlated significantly with all disorders (r = 0.135–0.353, p ≤ 0.05). Females reported higher eating disorder scores (p = 0.011), while males scored higher in planning-focused regulation (p = 0.022).
Implications: Results highlight the role of maladaptive CER in exacerbating psychological disorders, urging targeted interventions to enhance adaptive regulation in crisis-affected populations.
Conclusions: The study underscores the need for culturally adapted mental health programs in Palestine, emphasizing gender-specific approaches and adaptive emotion regulation training.