Hope, Anger, and Grief: Collective Emotional Regulation in the Serbian Protest Movement

This thesis investigates collective emotional regulation within the Serbian protest movement that emerged following the Novi Sad railway station tragedy in November 2024. Grounded in theories of emotion regulation, collective emotions, and collective action, the study explores how shared experiences of grief, anger, and hope were collectively constructed, communicated, and regulated throughout the movement. Using qualitative thematic analysis of publicly available materials- including protest speeches, official statements, media reports, slogans, and social media content-the research examines the psychological processes through which emotions fostered solidarity, resilience, and sustained collective engagement. By focusing on emotional regulation at the group level, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of collective emotions in social movements and highlights their importance in promoting civic participation and collective action.