Book of Abstracts [Unofficial – Accepted Presentation, Abstract Submission Ongoing]

The cultivation and sustenance of psychological well-being (PWB), facilitated by the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life, has been a growing cause for concern in a world characterised by rapid and relentless change. Researchers highlight the gravity of this analysis in emerging adulthood, a transitional phase marked by developmental and ecological challenges in the progression from childhood to adulthood. Previous literature has displayed the significant predictive potential of emotional intelligence (EI) and spirituality in explaining PWB. However, despite the complementing fundamentals of these constructs, limited research has examined their combined influence on PWB, particularly within non-Western populations. To address this gap, the present study investigated the contribution of EI and spirituality to PWB in a sample of 477 emerging adults (79% female) aged 18 to 29. The study adopted two hypotheses: (1) EI and spirituality positively predict the PWB of emerging adults, and (2) EI is positively related to spirituality among them. A quantitative, non-experimental within-subjects design was employed, utilizing standardized questionnaires to assess the key variables. The results displayed robust support for the hypotheses, underscoring the collaborative influence of EI and spirituality in predicting PWB and the remarkable interplay between the two in emerging adults. The study's findings extend existing knowledge to non-Western communities and offer valuable insights for mental health promotion. The strengths, limitations and implications discussed may guide future efforts to expand research in this field.