Predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adolescents: Loneliness and Self-Compassion

Abstract

This study investigated the associations between adolescents' self-compassion, loneliness, and posttraumatic stress levels. The study also revealed the predictive role of self-compassion and loneliness on post-traumatic stress. Additionally, post-traumatic stress levels in adolescents were compared by gender, exposure to or witnessing trauma, and whether the individuals previously sought psychological assistance. Adopting a correlational design, the study population included adolescents aged 14-18 living in Türkiye. On the other hand, the study group consisted of 351 adolescents who were reached through simple random sampling. The participants lived in various parts of Türkiye and were exposed to or witnessed traumatic experiences. They responded to the scales online. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, Self-compassion Scale for Adolescents, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Demographic Survey Form were used as data collection tools. The significance level was .05. The study concluded that higher levels of self-compassion indicate lower post-traumatic stress. Additionally, lower levels of loneliness indicate higher levels of post-traumatic stress. Selfcompassion and loneliness significantly predicted post-traumatic stress in adolescents. The findings suggested that females had significantly higher levels of post-traumatic stress. Lastly, it was concluded that adolescents who sought psychological assistance and had exposure to trauma had significantly higher levels of post-traumatic stress.