The Influence of Arts Participation on Subjective Well-Being, Emotional Regulation as a Mediator

Journal: Arts Studies and Criticism DOI: 10.32629/asc.v6i6.4746

Tianyu Wang, Alexander anak Chelum

Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

This study examined whether arts participation (AP) predicts subjective well-being (SWB) among Chinese undergraduates and whether emotional regulation (ER) mediates this relationship. A cross-sectional survey of 215 students in Shandong showed that AP significantly predicted SWB both directly and indirectly through ER, confirming partial mediation. Findings suggest that arts engagement enhances well-being partly by improving emotional regulation, highlighting the value of integrating arts modules, creative labs, and emotion-regulation workshops into university programs. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, self-report data, single-province sample, and potential self-selection bias. Future research should use longitudinal or experimental designs, broader samples, and explore additional mediators and moderators.

Keywords

arts participation, subjective well-being, emotional regulation

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