KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) Journal of Adolescent and Youth Psychological Studies (JAYPS) 2981-2526 6 Serial Number 38 2025 10 10 Prioritization of Personality and Environmental Predictors of Emotional Dysregulation among High School Students Prioritization of Personality and Environmental Predictors of Emotional Dysregulation among High School Students 1 13 10.61838/kman.jayps.4636 EN Journal Article 2025 06 21 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aimed to identify, categorize, and prioritize personality and environmental predictors of emotional dysregulation among Malaysian high school students using a sequential exploratory mixed-method design.</p> <p><strong>Methods and Materials: </strong>A sequential exploratory mixed-method approach was employed in two distinct phases. The first phase involved a qualitative thematic analysis through an extensive literature review conducted until theoretical saturation, using NVivo 14 for coding and theme development. Nine main categories of predictors were identified: impulsivity and poor self-control, neuroticism, low emotional awareness, family dysfunction, peer stress, academic pressure, digital exposure, coping deficits, and social-cultural expectations. The second phase used a quantitative ranking design with 180 Malaysian students aged 15–18 years, selected via stratified random sampling. A structured Likert-scale questionnaire based on the qualitative themes was administered. Reliability and validity were confirmed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive and inferential statistics.</p> <p><strong>Findings: </strong>Results indicated that personality-based factors were the strongest predictors of emotional dysregulation, with impulsivity and poor self-control (M = 4.63) ranked highest, followed by neuroticism and emotional instability (M = 4.51) and low emotional awareness and alexithymia (M = 4.42). Among environmental predictors, family dysfunction and parenting style (M = 4.37) and peer relationship stress (M = 4.28) were most influential. The lowest-ranked predictor was social and cultural expectations (M = 3.82). Statistical comparisons revealed significant mean differences (p &lt; 0.05) between personality and environmental domains, confirming that internal dispositional factors exert a stronger influence on emotional dysregulation than contextual stressors.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings underscore that impulsivity, emotional instability, and family dysfunction are key determinants of adolescent emotional dysregulation. These insights emphasize the need for school-based interventions and family-centered programs that enhance emotional awareness, impulse control, and supportive communication within cultural contexts.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://www.journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/jayps/article/download/4636/8511