How Does Cognitive Reappraisal Longitudinally Contribute to Psychological Resilience Among Adolescents: Evidence Based on the Affect-Regulation Framework

Abstract

The affect-regulation framework provides a comprehensive explanation of how individuals demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. However, this theoretical model has yet to be empirically tested. The present study aims to validate this framework in adolescent populations by examining the longitudinal relationship between cognitive reappraisal (an adaptive emotion regulation strategy) and psychological resilience, while also exploring the mediating roles of two short-term outcomes: positive affect and social connectedness. Data were collected from 316 high school students across three time points, and path analysis was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. The results showed that cognitive reappraisal at T1 was positively associated with psychological resilience at T3. Furthermore, both positive affect and social connectedness measured at T2 exerted indirect effects on this relationship. These findings highlight the critical role of cognitive reappraisal, positive affect, and social connectedness in fostering psychological resilience among adolescents.