A Systematic Review on the Role of Emotional Awareness and Mental Health in Building Resilience and Coping for Psychological Well-Being

Xiaolin Ji

University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Nursyuhaidah Binti Mohd Kadri

Senior Lecturer, Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50603

Abstract

There are critical factors, such as emotional and mental health, which hold significant instrumental value in stabilising resilience and enhancing coping mechanisms for psychological well-being. Consequently, this systematic review seeks to examine the literature to clarify what emotional awareness encompasses and its effect on mental health, specifically in terms of fostering resilience and various coping strategies. Utilising qualitative research and thematic synthesis, the study interprets outcomes from peer-reviewed articles, comparing populations including young adults, working professionals, and individuals with mental health conditions. The review involved searching the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases for articles on psychological well-being published in English and Chinese between 2020 and 2024. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 35 studies were selected, the majority of which were empirical and employed quantitative methodologies. The review identifies key themes: emotional intelligence and psychological resilience, the mediating role of mental health in relation to coping strategies, and the balance between adaptive and maladaptive responses. The research indicates that emotional understanding enhances self-management and reduces stress, while improved mental health constructs contribute to greater resilience. Emotion regulation coping styles are found to foster positive outcomes, whereas disengaging from stimuli and suppressing emotions are associated with negative behaviours. The findings support the inclusion of emotional self-awareness training in psycho-social treatment and resilience programmes for young people. Implications for training, education, and workplace wellness are discussed in relation to supporting psychological well-being. The review also highlights gaps in current research, such as the lack of longitudinal studies and culturally tailored models. This research advances the understanding of emotional intelligence and mental health as key predictors of an individual's ability to adapt, cope, or even thrive in the face of adversity, providing valuable insights for clinicians and policymakers.

Emotional Awareness, Mental Health, Resilience, Coping Strategies, Psychological Well-Being.