EXPLORING EXISTENTIAL NIHILISM ON EMOTIONAL REGULATION OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SUBANG JAYA

This qualitative study delves into the prevalence of existential nihilism and its impact on emotional regulation among 11 private university students in Subang Jaya. The participants comprise 7 females and 4 males in total. Post semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis was used to unravel the unique experiences and coping mechanisms utilised by the participants, which were predominantly distinct. The findings reveal a pervasive sense of meaninglessness and purposelessness among the participants, with each individual navigating their existential turmoil in unique ways. While some embraced their nihilistic tendencies and engaged in existential questioning, seeking spiritual or philosophical fulfilment, others grappled with existential angst and depression, leading to challenges in emotional regulation. The study highlights the diversity in coping mechanisms, with patterns indicating a predominance of negative experiences and varied emotional responses to existential nihilism. Moreover, the research highlights the link between existential nihilism and mental health disorders, emphasising the need for strategised interventions to support students in Subang Jaya and others who are emotionally affected by existential nihilism.