Abstract
The present study verifies the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the Self-Compassion Scale through item response theory, factor-analysis, validity analyses and norm development. The surveyed sample consisted of 1,181 participants (34% men and 66% women) with a mean age of 30.30 years (SD = 12.40). Two general factors (Self-compassionate responding and Self-uncompassionate responding) were identified, whereas there was no support for a single general factor of the scale and six subscales. The results of the factor analysis were supported by an independent sample of 676 participants. Therefore, the use of total score for the whole scale would be inappropriate. In Slovak language the Self-Compassion Scale should be used in the form of two general subscales (Self-compassionate responding and Self-uncompassionate responding). In line with our theoretical assumptions, we obtained relatively high Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the Self-Compassion Scale and related external variables, demonstrating construct validity for the scale. To sum up, the Slovak translation of The Self-Compassion Scale is a reliable and valid instrument that measures Self-compassionate responding and Self-uncompassionate responding.
Highlights
Compassion directed inwards, involves treating the self with care and concern when faced with the experience of suffering, rather than with a sense of self-criticism (Neff & Dahm, 2015)
Contrary to widely held popular beliefs that self-criticism may serve a positive role in motivation and success (Baker & McNulty, 2011; Breines & Chen, 2005), a large and growing body of research has found that self-compassion has superior psychological, physical and social benefits that support a happy, healthy and successful life
Development of Norms Because all subscales are scalable, and the total score is invariant in respect to its items, we provide here the norms calculated for the total score in each subscale, i.e., for the subscales of Self-compassionate responding and Self-uncompassionate responding (Table 5)
Summary
Compassion directed inwards, involves treating the self with care and concern when faced with the experience of suffering, rather than with a sense of self-criticism (Neff & Dahm, 2015). Neff (2003) reported a significant negative correlation between self-compassion and the subscale of self-criticism in the Depression Experience Questionnaire (r = –0.65, p < 0.01), and a significant positive correlation with the scale of social connection Based on modification indices, Neff (2003) revised her model to separate positively and negatively worded items to generate the widely used six-factor model of the SCS While this final model was associated with good factor loadings, the inter-correlations between the six subscales were high (–0.46 to 0.91). To explain these high factor inter-correlations, a higher order general ‘self-compassion’ factor was included in the CFA model
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