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. 2025 May 20;13(1):531.
doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02804-y.

Emerging adulthood, socioemotional variables and mental health in Spanish university students

José Luis Rodríguez-Sáez  1 , Luis Jorge Martín-Antón  2 , Alfonso Salgado-Ruiz  3 , Miguel Ángel Carbonero-Martín  2
Affiliations

Emerging adulthood, socioemotional variables and mental health in Spanish university students

José Luis Rodríguez-Sáez et al. BMC Psychol. .

Abstract

Background: This study responds to an important research gap around the impact of socioemotional variables and mental health on young emerging adults in the Spanish university context. Although previous research has explored these dynamics in international populations, there is limited knowledge about how these interactions manifest in the Mediterranean cultural model of transition to adulthood, characterised by distinctive socioeconomic and familial factors. This paper not only describes the prevalence of symptoms of psychological distress, but also identifies protective (social support and emotional clarity) and risk (substance use) variables, highlighting the need for specific interventions in Spanish universities.

Methods: The sample included 727 students aged 18-29, who completed questionnaires on emerging adulthood, mental health (DASS-21), social support (MSPSS), emotional intelligence (TMMS-24), alcohol (AUDIT-C) and cannabis (CAST) use. This cross-sectional, correlational study used statistical analysis to explore gender differences and predictors of symptomatology.

Results: The results show a high prevalence of symptoms of emotional distress, with more than 55% of students showing symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress. This indicates the presence of these symptoms but does not necessarily imply clinical significance or a formal diagnosis. Gender differences were observed: females showed higher levels of anxiety and stress, while males showed higher levels of alcohol and cannabis use. In addition, social support from friends and certain dimensions of emotional intelligence (emotional clarity and emotional repair) were inversely associated with symptomatology, suggesting a protective role.

Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between emerging adulthood and mental health problems, highlighting the need for interventions in universities that promote emotional well-being and addiction prevention. In addition, the findings highlight the need to promote the development of emotional skills and social support networks to mitigate symptoms such as anxiety, depression and stress.

Keywords: Consumption of drugs; Emerging adulthood; Emotional intelligence; Psychological distress; Social support.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This research received approval from Research Ethics Committee of the East Valladolid Health Area (num. PI 21-2241 NO HCUV) and followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. The study was conducted with the informed consent of the participants. Consent for publication: Not Applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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