Emerging adulthood is considered a critical stage in life, with great instability resulting from the set of experiences that precede more lasting decision-making (Arneti, 2014) Although not all emerging adults experience difficulties during the transitions typical of this stage of life , these transitions can generate distress and their experience can represent a considerable threat to the well-being of emerging adults. Several studies indicate that the mental health of higher education students has been decreasing in recent decades (Blanco et al., 2008 Guthman, locim & Konstas 2010) with high prevalence of mental disorders (26%) (Hussain Guppy, Robertson, & Temple, 2013), psychological stress (26%) (Cleary Walter & Jackson, 2011, Verger et al, 2009 ), depression (17%).

In this sense, the present study aims to 1) examine the levels of stress, anxiety, depression and sleep quality perceived by Portuguese and Spanish emerging adults and 2) explore the factors that mediate the relationship between self-compassion and satisfaction with life and mental health disabled (i.e. anxiety, stress, depression, social media addiction)