<b>SELF COMPASSION, SOCIAL SUPPORT AND HAPPINESS AMONG LATE ADOLESCENTS</b>

The current study aims to investigate the connections among late adolescents between happiness, social support, and self-compassion. In particular, the study looked into how social support and self-compassion affect adolescents ' general happiness and gender have a moderating effect on these relationships. Using random selection techniques, a sample of 250 participants 125 men and 125 women was chosen. Standardized instruments such as the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Self-Compassion scale Short Form were used. The findings showed a strong positive relationship between happiness, social support, and self-compassion. Males reported higher levels of happiness than females, according to a t-test analysis, which revealed a statistically significant gender difference in happiness. According to mediation analysis, the relationship between happiness and self-compassion was partially mediated by social support. Interventions designed for this developmental stage, especially in educational and counseling contexts, can benefit from these findings.