Emotional intelligence and emotional regulation as predictors of anxiety in Peruvian university students

Cabello R.; Vilca-Pareja V.; Yana Calla V.R.; Rojas Zegarra M.E.; Gutiérrez Aguilar O.; Fernández Berrocal P. · Journal of Further and Higher Education (2026) · DOI: 10.1080/0309877x.2025.2593640

Resumen

The mental well-being of university students is of significant concern globally, prompting the development of safeguarding protocols in various countries. In this regard, identifying protective factors within the university community is crucial. To address this issue, the current cross-sectional study investigated the relationships between emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, affectivity, and anxiety in 1,337 Peruvian university students aged 18–30, exploring gender differences. A general model is proposed to assess the beneficial effects of emotional intelligence and emotional regulation on affectivity and anxiety. The results showed that (a) emotional intelligence is related to emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression), and both are related to affectivity and anxiety; (b) Peruvian females show lower levels of positive affect than males, which, coupled with difficulties in emotional regulation, implies a significantly greater risk for developing anxious symptomatology; and (c) structural equation modelling revealed that Peruvian undergraduate students with perceived emotional intelligence tend to utilise cognitive reappraisal more and expressive suppression less, leading to increased positive affect, decreased negative affect, and lower anxiety levels. This study has important theoretical and practical implications, highlighting the most effective emotional strategies to reduce anxiety and promote positive mental health among university students, while also considering gender differences.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa; Universidad Católica de Santa María