The Interplay of Self-Control, Subjective Well-Being, and Stress Coping: A Multidimensional Study of Arab Teenagers in Israel

Abstract

This study investigates the complex relationships among self-control skills, subjective well-being, and stress-coping strategies among Arab teenagers in Israel's Northern Triangle region. While these psychological constructs have been extensively studied separately, their interrelationships within minority youth populations, particularly Arab adolescents in Israel, remain understudied. This research addresses this gap through a comprehensive examination of how these constructs interact within the unique sociocultural context of Arab Israeli youth. Using a mixed-methods longitudinal design, data were collected from 300 Palestinian Arab teenagers (173 males, 127 females) aged 12-15 years (M = 3.68, SD = .35) across six integrated schools. Participants completed validated measures of self-control (Self-Control Scale), subjective well-being (Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale), and stress coping strategies (Coping Scale for Children and Youth), along with demographic questionnaires. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, multivariate analyses, and longitudinal growth modeling. Results revealed significant positive relationships among self-control, subjective well-being, and adaptive coping strategies. Subjective well-being partially mediated the relationship between self-control and problem-focused coping (β = .14, 95% CI [.08, .21]). Gender moderated these relationships, with stronger associations observed among females. Age-related differences emerged, showing stronger self-control-coping relationships among older adolescents. Socioeconomic status significantly predicted all three main constructs, highlighting the role of structural factors in psychological functioning. The study's findings contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical applications. Theoretically, results extend the strength model of self-control and the transactional model of stress and coping by demonstrating their cultural specificity in Arab youth. Practically, findings inform the development of culturally sensitive interventions to enhance self-control, well-being, and coping abilities among Arab teenagers in Israel. This research underscores the importance of considering cultural context in understanding adolescent psychological functioning and provides evidencebased insights for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers working with Arab youth in Israel. Future research directions and implications for promoting positive youth development in minority populations are discussed.