FROM STRESS TO WELLNESS: HOW GRATITUDE AND SELF-COMPASSION IMPROVE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

This study aims to examine how feeling grateful and being kind to oneself can improve the mental health of college students, considering the academic and social pressures they face. The inspiration for this research comes from the increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion among students. A quantitative descriptive approach was adopted, involving 105 participants from various academic fields throughout Indonesia. The research utilized surveys to evaluate stress levels, feelings of gratitude, self-compassion, and overall mental health. The collected information was analyzed using Pearson correlation and regression methods to explore the relationships and effects of these factors on mental well-being. The results revealed that both gratitude and self-kindness significantly contribute to enhancing students’ mental health, with self-compassion showing a stronger influence on reducing stress. Students who are able to acknowledge and value their experiences while treating themselves with kindness tend to report feeling less stress, greater emotional strength, and a more positive outlook on life. In conclusion, promoting gratitude and self-compassion can serve as effective strategies to bolster students’ mental health and lay the groundwork for university initiatives aimed at improving psychological well-being.