Objective To explore the preoperative emotional experiences and regulation strategies in patients with adolescent bariatric metabolic surgery based on Gross theory of emotion regulation processes. Methods A total of 15 adolescent patients receiving bariatric metabolic surgery evaluation were recruited from a tertiary hospital using the purposeful sampling method. Semi⁃structured in⁃depth interviews were conducted on 15 adolescent patients, and thematic analysis was used to identify emotional experiences and regulatory approaches. Results Adolescents commonly experienced anxiety and fear, shame and self⁃image distress, emotional ambivalence and decisional conflict prior to surgery, regulating mainly through methods such as cognitive reassessment, emotional suppression, and attention diversion. Gender and family background significantly influenced the regulation methods, with expressive strategies being tended to girls, whereas suppress emotions to boys. Family emotional support played a positive role in emotion regulation, which was helpful to reduce preoperative anxiety and enhance decision⁃making confidence. Conclusion Preoperative emotion regulation of adolescent patients undergoing bariatric metabolic surgery is diverse. The way of emotion regulation is deeply affected by individual and family factors. It is suggested that preoperative nursing intervention should strengthen the positive regulation path and carry out personalized psychological support combined with family resources.

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