UK-Based Nigerian Scholar Introduces Groundbreaking Research on Stress and Emotional Resilience
Dr. Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu, a Nigerian academic based in the United Kingdom, has unveiled a new psychological framework focused on stress management and emotional resilience. His latest work introduces the Self-Comforting Attitude Theory (SCAT) and the Self-Comforting Attitude Scale (SCAS)—two innovative tools aimed at understanding how individuals think about and respond to emotional distress.
Dr. Obohwemu, a lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and GBS Partnership in Birmingham, UK, said the model has already attracted global attention for its relevance in mental health and behavioral science.
Published in Mental Health & Prevention, a peer-reviewed journal under Elsevier and indexed by Scopus and the Web of Science, the research explores how mindset and belief systems influence coping behaviors—moving beyond traditional views of resilience.
SCAT and SCAS complement his previously released Self-Comforting and Coping Theory (SCCT) and the Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS). Together, the four elements make up what he calls the Self-Comforting Framework—a dual-theory, dual-scale model designed to examine both actions and attitudes in managing psychological strain.
Inspiration from Personal Experience
Dr. Obohwemu shared that his motivation for this research stemmed from his own challenges. Relocating to the UK just before the COVID-19 lockdowns, he found himself isolated, financially strained, and without a support network.
“During that period, I had to rely heavily on internal coping strategies—what I now describe as ‘self-comforting’—to survive mentally and emotionally,” he said.
He added, “We often ask how people cope, but rarely explore how they feel or think about their coping behaviors. Some see self-soothing as weakness, others as a form of strength. That mindset can deeply affect mental health outcomes and willingness to seek help.”
Global Impact and Practical Applications
Mental health experts have praised the Self-Comforting Framework for its innovation and applicability across clinical, educational, occupational, and public health settings—particularly in culturally diverse and underserved communities.
With his unique combination of lived experience and rigorous research, Dr. Obohwemu is helping shift the narrative around emotional resilience. His work provides valuable tools for professionals aiming to foster healthier, more self-aware coping strategies worldwide.
As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, Dr. Obohwemu’s contribution marks a significant step forward—bridging the gap between behavior, belief, and emotional well-being
0 Comments