Emotion-focused coping strategies as predictors of resilience in adolescents

Adolescents living in Lembaga Kesejahteraan Sosial Anak (LKSA) often experience psychological pressures caused by family loss, limited emotional attachment, and social isolation. These conditions increase vulnerability to emotional distress and hinder the development of resilience. Although previous studies have examined coping strategies and resilience, the specific contribution of emotion-focused coping among adolescents in institutional care remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to examine emotion-focused coping strategies as predictors of resilience among adolescents in LKSA. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Participants were adolescents aged 12–18 years living in LKSA and selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and participatory observation, then analyzed using thematic analysis involving open, axial, and selective coding. Data validity was strengthened through triangulation and member checking. The findings revealed that adolescents used various emotion-focused coping strategies, including praying, private emotional expression, sharing experiences with peers, seeking emotional support from caregivers, and engaging in creative or spiritual activities. These strategies helped adolescents regulate emotional distress, reduce psychological pressure, and maintain emotional stability despite difficult life circumstances. Emotional support from peers and caregivers emerged as an important protective factor in strengthening self-acceptance, hope, and adaptive functioning. The study also found that emotion-focused coping independently contributed to resilience, even when adolescents had limited control over external stressors. This study confirms that emotion-focused coping plays a significant role in fostering resilience among adolescents in institutional care. The findings provide important implications for the development of counselling and psychosocial interventions in LKSA that emphasize emotional regulation, supportive relationships, and contextual spiritual support.