Self-Efficacy, Cognitive Reappraisal, Expressive Suppression and Social Support Predict Psychological Well-Being Among Adults in Malaysia

This study investigates the extent to which self-efficacy (SE), cognitive reappraisal (CR), expressive suppression (ES), and social support (SS) predict psychological well-being (PWB) among Malaysian young adults. A total of 331 participants aged 18–35 was recruited through purposive sampling and completed an online survey comprising the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the 18-item Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression. The results indicated that SE, CR, and SS were significant positive predictors of PWB, whereas ES was negatively associated. SE was the most influential predictor, suggesting that individuals with higher SE demonstrated greater resilience, persistence, and emotional stability. CR positively predicted PWB, indicating that reinterpreting stressful experiences supports adaptive emotional regulation. In contrast, ES negatively predicted PWB, reflecting that suppressing emotions may limit coping resources and reduce well-being. SS positively predicted PWB, emphasising the protective role of social networks within the Malaysian collectivist context. The sample was predominantly female (58.3%), Chinese (83.4%), single (74.3%), and comprised mainly students (90.3%), most of whom were in the private sector (71.9%). These findings align with the broaden-and-build theory, suggesting that personal and social resources enhance PWB by cultivating positive emotions and resilience. The study highlights the value of interventions that strengthen SE, promote adaptive emotion regulation strategies, and enhance social support systems to improve mental health outcomes. Future research should employ more diverse samples and examine how these predictors influence specific dimensions of psychological well-being.