Adolescents' perceived stress of COVID-19 and self-compassion in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: Sama S. Hammad (Author), Mona D. Alzhrani (Author), Hebah A. Almulla (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2023-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Objectives: Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health challenges for adolescent populations. The current study aims to examine the levels of perceived stress of COVID-19 and self-compassion and their relationship among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional online survey of adolescents from secondary schools in Asir, Saudi Arabia. Instruments that we distributed online included the modified Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), in addition to demographic and health-related questions. A total of 500 adolescents completed the survey. Results: Adolescents in the study reported an average moderate perceived stress level of 18.6 (SD = 6.67) and an average moderate self-compassion level of 3.22 (SD = 0.53). A significant correlation is also found between the two variables (r = −0.460, P < 0.001). This negative correlation indicates that lower levels of perceived stress are significantly correlated with higher levels of self-compassion. Conclusion: The study results show that the perceived stress of COVID-19 is inversely correlated with self-compassion in Saudi adolescents. Further research is needed to explore how to enhance adolescents' self-compassion. School nurses' role should be given full play in this area.

Item Description

2352-0132
10.1016/j.ijnss.2023.03.008