Self-Compassion, Social Connectedness and Depressive Symptoms among University Students

Abstract

The aim of this research study is to investigate and explore the relationship between Selfcompassion, Social con11ected11ess and Depressive symptoms among university students belonging to tire age group 18-25 years. Around 215 students participated in this study among which 52% percent were females and 48% were males. The three measures used in this present study were Social Connectedness scale-revised (SCS-R), Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF) and lastly, Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R). The research finding showed that Self-compassio11 and Social connectedness have a significant and negative relationship with depressive symptoms. Moreover, the findings depicted that Social connectedness has a significant and positive relationship with the Self-Compassion. The research findings demonstrated social connectedness and se(f-compassion have a negatively significant relationship with the depressive symptoms. Tire results oft-test analysis showed that depression was niore prevalent in female population than in males. There were 110 gender d~fferences with respect to self compassion and social connectedness. Depression among the individual who have experienced bullying al school, scored higher as compared to those who have not e;qnrienced bullying at school. This study has implications for youngsters and their families in raising awareness of importance of social connectedness, self compassion in dealing with depression. It can also help psychologists while providing counseling and therapy to youth.