Protocol outlines EMA study of spirituality, self-regulation, and youth mental health

BackgroundAdolescence and young adulthood represent critical developmental stages during which mental disorders often emerge, with the potential to impede perceived quality of life. Spirituality (i.e., the search for the sacred) and self-regulation (i.e., intrinsic processes regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors) are recognized as protective factors for mental health. However, their dynamic interplay remains largely unexplored, particularly in real-life and in real-time among youths. This study, developed with the help of young partners, addresses this gap by investigating the longitudinal associations between spirituality, self-regulation, and mental health using an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach. Methods and analysisWe plan to recruit 120 adolescents and young adults (aged 16-20, expected attrition rate of 20%) from the community to complete a qualitative semi-structured interview assessing their beliefs, spiritual or religious activities, role models, and "meaning in life". In addition, participants will take part in a multi-wave intensive longitudinal study. Trait-level assessments will be conducted at two time points, three months apart, to capture between-person differences. Additionally, to assess within-person dynamics, participants will complete EMA surveys four times daily over 10 consecutive days in two waves, also three months apart. Measures will include facets of spirituality (e.g., beliefs, meaning, collective consciousness), self-regulation (e.g., self-control, emotional regulation, impulsivity), as well as mental health indicators (emotional and behavioral symptoms) and quality of life. Qualitative data will be analyzed through a thematic analysis method, whereas quantitative associations will be assessed using Linear Mixed Models (LMM) and network analyses. Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained, and data collection begun in May 2025. Findings will be disseminated through open access peer-reviewed journals, conferences on adolescent mental health, and shared with practitioners, educators, and youth organizations. Results will also be made accessible to the general public. This study aims to inform personalized preventive and therapeutic interventions by elucidating real-time mechanisms linking spirituality, self-regulation, and mental health in youths. Strengths and limitations of this studyO_LIThis study design combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. C_LIO_LIWe use real-time, multi-wave ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine spirituality, self-regulation, and mental health in youths. C_LIO_LIWe capture both within- and between-person variations, providing a fine-grained understanding of the temporality and dynamics of these processes. C_LIO_LIWe integrate multiple dimensions of spirituality, self-regulation, and mental health rather than focusing on single constructs. C_LIO_LIReal-life and real-time assessments reduce recall bias and increase relevance to daily experiences. C_LIO_LIWe invited a panel of youths from the general population to provide feedback during the development phase of the project. C_LIO_LIThe results may not be generalizable to younger adolescents or older adults as the age range is restricted to 16-20 years. C_LIO_LIReliance on self-reported data may introduce bias (e.g., social desirability, subjective interpretation). C_LI