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 ( = 6.67) and an average moderate self-compassion level of 3.22 ( = 0.53). A significant correlation is also found between the two variables ( = -0.460, < 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.
