Psychometric properties of the Slovenian long and short version of the self-compassion scale

Abstract

The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is a widely used instrument for measuring selfcompassion. In this study we examined psychometric properties of the SCS long and short form in a Slovenian community sample (N = 442). The total score reliability was satisfactory both in the long form (? = .91) and short form (? = .81). The reliability of subscales in the long form was between .66 and .84, and relatively low in the short form (from .45 to .72). We performed a confirmatory factor analysis and examined a one factor, a two factor a six-factor correlated model, a higher order model, and a bi-factor model. The six-factor and bi-factor models showed the best fit for the SCS-LF, and the six-factor model was the only acceptable fit for the SCS-SF. The correlation between the long and the short form is very high (r = .96). The SCS correlates in a predictable way with satisfaction with life, well-being, and attachment styles. We concluded that Slovenian versions of both the long and the short form of the SCS have generally from acceptable to good psychometric properties. Results supported the use of both the total score and subscale scores of SCS-LF. The short version of the SCS can be used as a good and economical alternative when the aim is to use the total score.