Examining the Mediation Role of Emotion Regulation and Hope in the Impact of <scp>COVID</scp> ‐19 on Psychological Well‐Being and Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected global physical and psychological well-being. In addition to the loss of lives, lockdowns led to widespread declines in quality of life, particularly in mental health. While some individuals struggled, others showed resilience. This study investigated how changes in life conditions during lockdown-across physical, psychological and social domains-impacted mental health and well-being. A sample of 184 university students (82.6% female; M = 22.8, SD = 4.09) reported perceived improvements or deteriorations in these areas. Their responses were analysed in relation to psychological outcomes. The study also examined the mediating roles of emotion regulation strategies-cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression-and hope. Although previous research emphasised the protective role of emotion regulation and hope in reducing anxiety and depression, findings from this study revealed that the psychological impact of lockdown was the strongest predictor of mental health and well-being. Emotion regulation strategies did not significantly mediate these effects. In contrast, hope emerged as the only effective mediator, reducing the negative psychological consequences of lockdown and enhancing resilience and coping. These results underscore the importance of cultivating hope as a central psychological resource to support individuals in managing prolonged adversity and maintaining psychological well-being.