COVID-related loneliness moderates associations between latent profiles of emotion regulation and mental health

COVID-19 has led to rises in psychosocial difficulties and loneliness. Capacity for adaptive emotion regulation may help individuals cope with pandemic-related stress. The current study explored heterogeneity in difficulties with emotion regulation, differential impacts on psychosocial outcomes, and loneliness as a moderator of these associations. Data were collected from an international sample ( n = 791), including the United States (28.6%), Israel (27.2%), Ecuador (16.3%), India (14.7%), and Colombia (13.3%), majority female (73.7%), mean age of 38.40 ( SD = 17.46). Latent profile analysis identified emotion regulation capacity profiles. Mplus BCH command explored associations between emotion regulation capacity profiles and psychosocial outcomes, and SPSS PROCESS examined loneliness due to COVID-19 as a moderator of associations. Four profiles (capacity for adaptive regulation, capacity for effective control, difficulties with acceptance, and difficulties with overall regulation) were identified. The capacity for adaptive regulation profile had better psychosocial outcomes compared to other profiles. The capacity for effective control strategies profile had more positive psychological well-being compared to the difficulties with overall regulation profile. The difficulties with acceptance profile, compared to the capacity for adaptive regulation profile, had more severe anxiety symptoms and this effect was stronger for those who reported greater loneliness. Findings highlight the importance of understanding nuances in emotion regulation capacity and associations with psychosocial outcomes, especially during times of heightened stress, as well as how loneliness may exacerbate associations. Findings can inform public health and clinical approaches to addressing the impacts of COVID-19 safety strategies on well-being. • Four emotion regulation profiles revealed distinct psychosocial and mental health outcomes. • Adaptive regulation showed the most resilience, with the lowest anxiety and stress levels. • Loneliness amplified anxiety in individuals with difficulty accepting emotions. • Goal-directed behavior deficits emerged as critical to social and psychological well-being. • Findings guide targeted interventions to increase resilience during global crises.