Psychometric properties of Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF) in Spanish adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundSelf-compassion, individual's ability to treat oneself kindly, is important for mental well-being. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is the most used instrument to measure self-compassion, but the short form does not have validity evidence in adolescents. MethodsWe examined the psychometric properties of the SCS-SF (12 items) in 955 Spanish adolescents (Mage = 13.95) using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and reliability tests. The life satisfaction, family satisfaction, and reactive-proactive aggression were used for convergent validity. ResultsCronbach's alpha reliability value for the total scale was .723. CFA confirmed that the six-factor model showed good fit indices with three positive dimensions: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness; and three negative components: self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification (χ2 = 114.730; CFI = .966; GFI = .98; RMSEA = .045). The bifactorial model also showed an adequate fit, although with weaker values than the six-factor (ꭓ2 = 247.108; CFI = .914; GFI = .95; RMSEA = .06). The unifactorial model showed an inadequate fit. Total SCS score correlated positively with family satisfaction (r = .43; p < .001) and life satisfaction (r = .48; p < .001) and negatively with reactive aggressiveness (r = −.27; p < .001) and with proactive aggressiveness (r = −.18; p < .001). Self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness were associated with higher family and life satisfaction (p < .001) Self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification were associated with lower family and life satisfaction (p < .001). Self-judgment and isolation positively correlated with both reactive and proactive aggression (p < .001), while mindfulness negatively correlated with both reactive and proactive aggression (p < .01). ConclusionThe SCS-SF is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing self-compassion in Spanish adolescents. Results suggest the six-factor model in its first validation in an adolescent population with convergent validity. The findings of this study corroborate the significance of self-compassion for the mental health of adolescents, particularly in relation to their family and life satisfaction.