Emotional intelligence (EI) is a vital component of mental health, particularly in vulnerable groups such as orphans. This study examines how social support influences emotional well-being among 160 orphans, aged 8-17, living in Pahang orphanages. Using a survey and regression analysis, this study explored the effects of family support, friends at orphanages, staff at orphanages, community, motivation, and welfare on emotional outcomes. The results indicate that family support and motivation are significant predictors of emotional well-being, while support from friends, staff, and community, and welfare do not significantly contribute. In conclusion, family support and motivation are essential to fostering emotional resilience in orphaned children. These results underscore the critical role of strengthening family bonds and intrinsic motivation in promoting emotional resilience. Additionally, this research supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), providing valuable insights for policymakers and orphanage caregivers to improve emotional and psychological support frameworks. This study contributes to the existing literature on EI in vulnerable children, offering a foundation for enhancing care strategies in institutional settings.
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