Mental health of Business Graduate of Higher Education Institute of KP, Pakistan: Relationship with Shame and Self-Compassion

Abstract

Mental health challenges among university students have gained global attention, particularly in competitive academic environments. This study investigates the relationship between shame, self-compassion, and mental health among undergraduate business graduate students in KP, Pakistan. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 270 students using validated scales: the Experience of Shame Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and General Health Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression, and moderation analysis were conducted using Jamovi software. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between shame and mental health, highlighting the detrimental impact of shame on students’ psychological well-being. Furthermore, self-compassion moderates this relationship, reducing the negative effects of shame on mental health. This underscores the protective role of self-compassion in fostering emotional resilience. The study contributes to the growing literature on student mental health by addressing the cultural and academic nuances of a non-Western context. Practical implications include the integration of self-compassion training and mental health support programs into business education. These findings provide actionable insights for improving student well-being and addressing mental health challenges in competitive academic settings.