Adolescents’ Psychological Resilience in the Context of Self-Control and Psychological Needs: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study explores how adolescents understand and sustain psychological resilience through self-control and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. Framed within a process-oriented view of resilience, the research examines how adolescents navigate challenges such as academic pressure, family difficulties, and social uncertainty. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 16–18 who reported diverse experiences of coping and adaptation. Using thematic analysis, four major themes emerged: (1) self-regulatory strategies such as goal-setting, planning, and emotional regulation; (2) need satisfaction through autonomy, competence, and relatedness; (3) contextual resources including supportive family and peer relationships; and (4) meaning-making and personal growth following adversity. These findings illustrate resilience as a dynamic and relational process, shaped by both individual self-control capacities and the fulfilment of psychological needs within social contexts. The study concludes the importance of fostering autonomy-supportive environments and self-regulatory skills to strengthen adolescents’ adaptive capacity and well-being.