Self-compassion, Gratitude, PERMA-based Well-being and Anxiety Among College Students: Correlational Analyses

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is highly prevalent among college students due to academic pressures and developmental transitions. Positive psychological constructs such as self-compassion, gratitude, and PERMA-based well-being may function as protective factors that promote resilience and psychological adjustment. Purpose: The present study aimed to examine the relationships between self-compassion, gratitude, PERMA-based well-being, and anxiety among college students and to determine whether these positive psychological variables significantly predict anxiety levels. Method: A quantitative correlational research design was employed. The sample comprised 89 college students aged 18–25 years from universities in the Delhi-NCR region, selected using purposive and convenience sampling. Participants completed standardised measures including the Self-compassion Scale (SCS; Neff, 2003, Self Identity, 2, 3, 223–250), the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (GQ-6; McCullough et al., 2002, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 1, 112–127), the PERMA Profiler (Butler & Kern, 2016, International Journal of Wellbeing, 6, 3, 1–48) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI; Beck et al., 1988, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56, 6, 893–897). Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Pearson’s correlation analyses revealed significant negative associations between anxiety and self-compassion (r = −0.79, p < .01), gratitude (r = −0.78, p < .01), and PERMA-based well-being (r = −0.89, p < .01). In the multiple linear regression model, PERMA-based well-being emerged as the only significant independent predictor of anxiety (β = −0.81, p < .001). Conclusion: The results highlight the vital role of self-compassion, gratitude and well-being in reducing anxiety and promoting psychological resilience among young adults. Incorporating these strengths into college-based mental health programmes may enhance emotional regulation and holistic well-being in this population.