Unlike traditional tools such as the Brief COPE or the Self-Compassion Scale, which take a broader approach to coping and emotional wellness, the SCCS is laser-focused on the mechanisms individuals use—consciously or unconsciously—to calm themselves in moments of stress, anxiety, or inner turmoil.
A major advancement in mental health science has emerged from the United Kingdom, where Nigerian-born medical doctor and academic Dr. Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu has unveiled a revolutionary psychological framework and diagnostic instrument aimed at reshaping how emotional resilience is understood and supported.
At the heart of this breakthrough is the Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS)—the world’s first dedicated psychometric tool designed to measure how people soothe themselves during emotional distress.
Developed as part of a larger theoretical model known as the Self-Comforting and Coping Theory (SCCT), the SCCS captures the nuances of self-soothing behaviour across 13 distinct domains, including mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and compassionate self-talk.
“We’re pioneering a shift in psychological support,” said Dr. Obohwemu. “The SCCS and SCCT go beyond conventional coping models to focus specifically on self-comforting—a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of emotional regulation.”
Unlike traditional tools such as the Brief COPE or the Self-Compassion Scale, which take a broader approach to coping and emotional wellness, the SCCS is laser-focused on the mechanisms individuals use—consciously or unconsciously—to calm themselves in moments of stress, anxiety, or inner turmoil.
Its applications are far-reaching: from clinical mental health settings and academic research to education, workplace wellness programs, and community-based interventions. Mental health professionals can use the tool to distinguish between healthy and potentially harmful self-soothing strategies, paving the way for more personalized and culturally relevant therapeutic approaches.
The SCCS has already demonstrated strong content and face validity, underscoring its potential as both a research and practical instrument. According to Dr. Obohwemu, the tool helps “bridge the gap between emotional experience and measurable insight,” offering fresh pathways for support and intervention.
Currently undergoing international trials under registration number ISRCTN12254719, the SCCS is being tested across a variety of cultural contexts to ensure its adaptability and global impact. Dr. Obohwemu emphasized the importance of cultural nuance in understanding emotional coping.
“Coping is not one-size-fits-all,” he explained. “It’s shaped by who we are, where we come from, and what we’ve lived through. Our goal is to ensure the SCCS reflects that diversity, so it can serve communities around the world.”
About the Innovator
Dr. Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu is a UK-based lecturer and mental health researcher renowned for his contributions to emotional regulation and public health innovation. Originally from Nigeria, he has built a reputation as a trailblazer in psychological theory and psychometric scale development. His work continues to influence global discourse on mental health, offering new tools and frameworks that challenge outdated models and elevate culturally competent care.
With the launch of the SCCS and SCCT, Dr. Obohwemu is not just adding to the field—he is redefining it.
