Supportive Families and Self-Compassion: Keys to Alleviating Academic Stress in Thesis-Engaged Undergraduate Students in Indonesia

Abstract

Academic stress arises from academic demands that exceed an individual's adaptive capabilities. The family is one of the elements causing academic stress. Families are essential in reducing the possibility of academic stress. This study delves into the mediation role of self-compassion within the interplay of family support and academic stress among undergraduates working on their thesis in the Faculty of Engineering and Science at a Banyumas, Indonesia university. By examining whether self-compassion acts as a conduit through which family support impacts academic stress, the research uncovers the intricate psychological dynamics shaping how students respond to academic demands. Employing a rigorous sampling method, the study involved 181 participants and utilized established measurement scales. The analysis, conducted via bootstrapping procedures, elucidated the dual influence of family support on academic stress—both directly and indirectly through self-compassion. These findings contribute to understanding academic stress experiences, suggesting interventions to bolster well-being and stress management strategies. The study's outcomes underscore the significance of familial support in reducing academic stress while highlighting self-compassion's protective mechanism. The study advocates for the implementation of interventions promoting self-compassion and fostering supportive family environments, offering valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to enhance student mental health and academic success.