BRIEF PSYCHOEDUCATION ON SELF-COMPASSION: A PATHWAY TO PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG MIGRANT LABORERS IN PENANG (MALAYSIA)

Abstract

Migrant workers, especially laborers, experience quite complex problems, such as exploitation, health problems, discrimination, intense stress, and legal uncertainty. In particular, psychologically they have poor mental health and low well-being. These problems are also experienced by Indonesian or Indonesian-descended migrants in Penang, Malaysia. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a short psychological education program on self-compassion in improving psychological well-being among migrant workers in Penang, Malaysia. Using a quasi-experimental design with one-group post-test-only design, 46 participants underwent a two-hour psychological education session that combined lectures, interactive games, and group discussions. Participants were evaluated using the Indonesian version of the Self-Compassion Scale and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Descriptive analysis showed that 91.3% of participants scored in the moderate to high self-compassion category. Spearman's rho test showed a significant positive correlation between self-compassion and psychological well-being (ρ = 0.256, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that even a brief intervention can increase awareness of self-compassion and support emotional resilience in a vulnerable population. The program was well received, with participants demonstrating strong emotional engagement and reporting a deeper understanding of how to care for themselves mentally. This study highlights the importance of accessible, culturally sensitive mental health interventions for migrant workers, and emphasizes self-compassion as a practical strategy to support their psychological well-being.