Self-Compassion Scale Subscales Research Articles

Exploring the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Psychological Pain: A Canonical Correlation Analysis.

This study investigated the association between self-compassion and psychological pain across various demographic variables. Using canonical correlation analysis, we observed an inverse relationship between the combined factors of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Orbach and Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale (OMMP-8). Subgroup analyses revealed differences in SCS subscales among demographic groups with females, individuals with mental health diagnoses, and non-athletes displaying higher scores on negative SCS subscales and PsyPn. Injury status did not significantly affect self-compassion levels, although injured individuals scored higher on the irreversibility subscale of PsyPn. Negative SCS factors exhibited larger group differences and stronger correlations with PsyPn, indicating the potency of negative thinking in influencing psychological pain. These findings underscore the importance of self-compassion in mental health and suggest potential implications for intervention strategies.

Self Compassion and quality of life among adults with and without ADHD in Israel

Background Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience multiple difficulties in functioning and quality of life (QoL). Biological factors have been shown to explain ~ 30% of QoL variance, yet according to a biopsychological perspective on health there is a need for additional research on psycho-social factors which may add to the explained variance of QoL. Self-compassion (SC) concerns the way people relate to themselves when they experience suffering and pain. SC has been associated with QoL in various populations with chronic health conditions, yet evidence of SC in adults with ADHD, and specifically in Israel is limited. Methods Cross-sectional survey design. Convenience sample comprising 34 adults with ADHD and 26 without ADHD. Participants completed self-rated questionnaires: ADHD symptoms (ASRS), ADHD related QoL (AAQoL), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) comprising 6 scales: mindfulness, common humanity, self-kindness, overidentification, isolation, and self-judgement. Results Comparison between groups demonstrated that the ADHD group mean scores were significantly lower on AAQoL (F (1,58) = 20,84, p < .001) and on SCS (F (1,58) = 12.60, p < .001). Significant differences were found on five of six SCS subscales, with largest effects on overidentification and common humanity. A positive significant correlation was found between total SCS and AAQoL total scores (r=.63; 69, p<.001). Additionally, SCS contributed to the explained variance of AAQoL beyond that accounted for by ADHD group. Conclusions SC may be a worthy intervention target to increase QoL among adults with ADHD.

Self-compassion, sleep quality and psychological well-being in type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionLow self-compassion and poor sleep quality have been identified as potential key predictors of distress in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated relationships between sleep behaviors (sleep duration, social...

Self-compassion and professional quality of life among midwives and nurse assistants: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTIONSelf-compassion and satisfaction derived from helping others is part of healthcare providers’ professional quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore and psychometrically test two instruments measuring self-compassion and professional quality of life among midwives and nurse assistants.METHODSThis was a cross-sectional study with midwives and nurse assistants working with intrapartum care at five different labor wards in Sweden. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the modified Professional Quality of Life Measurement (ProQOL) were validated and correlation analyses were calculated between the different subscales. Descriptive statistics, t-test, were calculated to analyze associations between the subscales of the SCS, the ProQOL and the background variables.RESULTSMidwives were more self-critical than nurse assistants, and the midwives who were negative towards the new clinical practice scored higher for compassion fatigue. The principal component analysis showed a two-factor solution for both the SCS and the modified ProQOL. The two SCS subscales were named ‘self-criticism’ (α=0.85) and ‘self-kindness’ (α=0.87). The two ProQOL subscales were named ‘compassion satisfaction’ (α=0.83) and ‘compassion fatigue’ (α=0.78). A negative correlation was found between self-kindness and compassion fatigue subscales, between compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue, and between self-kindness and self-criticism.CONCLUSIONSThe SCS and modified ProQOL are considered as valid questionnaires for use in a Swedish maternity setting and a correlation between the scales was found. Midwives are more self-critical than nurse assistants. Understanding and identifying compassion fatigue among midwives is important to managers responsible for quality improvement and practice changes.

Psychotherapy Incorporating Horses to Address Anxiety in Women College Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract An annual 2019 survey of directors of college counseling centers reported that 60.7% of students seeking counseling present with the predominant concern of anxiety. Furthermore, counseling centers across the United States have seen a rise in the number of students requesting services in recent years, frequently resulting in wait lists for students to receive counseling. Group psychotherapy sessions may mitigate wait times; however due to student anxiety and negative stigma surrounding mental health treatment it can often be challenging to attract students to participate in groups compared to individual sessions. This pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of group psychotherapy incorporating equines for undergraduate women college students presenting with concerns of anxiety. Implementing the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association’s model of psychotherapy, six women participants attended one 90-minute group session per week for 7 weeks on the campus of North Dakota State University. Students completed the Self Compassion Scale (SCS) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) at weeks 0 and 7 as pre and post measures of the intervention. A significant increase was observed in the common humanity subscale of the SCS; however, no other differences were found in the remaining SCS subscales nor in the DASS subscales. Anecdotally, multiple students expressed that they would not have persisted in coming to group without the horses present. Furthermore, there was markedly improved attendance rates in the psychotherapy incorporating equine group compared to other group therapies at the counseling center. We recommend that future research examine whether psychotherapy integrating both horses and the tenets of self-compassion can help woman college students improve their anxiety management skills and become more resilient.

Utility of the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index as a single survey instrument to assess holistic physician wellbeing

<h3>Objectives:</h3> There has been increasing interest in measuring physician wellness and burnout; however, there are a variety of assessment tools being used in the literature making it challenging to compare results between studies as well as conduct longitudinal research. Furthermore, to best assess holistic wellbeing, multiple instruments are combined leading to lengthy surveys that contribute to poor participant compliance and are difficult to repeat over time. Therefore, it would be of great interest to identify a brief but comprehensive tool to assess wellness and burnout. Here we sought to assess the utility of the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) as a single survey instrument of composite physician wellbeing. <h3>Methods:</h3> This was a cross-sectional study of physicians employed at the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University in December of 2019 using a 115-question instrument that included the following measures: PFI, a two-question burnout measure, Barriers to Physician Compassion (BPI), Neff Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), self-reported medical errors, Workplace Engagement (UWES), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS). The PFI is a validated 16-item survey that measures burnout (work exhaustion [WE] and interpersonal disengagement [ID]) and professional fulfillment (PF) using a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-tests and Pearson's correlations. <h3>Results:</h3> A total of 173 physicians responded (46.6% response rate) with 141 respondents completing at least 75% of the survey. Sixty-three percent of respondents were males (n=90), while 70% between the ages of 30-49 (n=100, 69.9%). Respondents most commonly reported between 11-20 years (n=40, 29.9%) of clinical practice. The mean numbers of hours worked per week was 62.1 (range 8-120) with over half of the cohort providing direct clinical care for > 50% of this time (n=88, n=59.1%). Thirty-four percent of respondents were medical oncologists (n=48) while 31.7% were surgeons (n=45). Twenty percent were hospital-based (radiation oncology, anesthesiologist, and hospitalists) leaving 14.1% of respondents classified as other (n=20). All PFI subscales were significant correlated with all BPI subscales and both single-item Burnout measures (Table 1). Self-reported medical errors were only weakly correlated with the PFI ID subscale, and there were no correlations with WE or PF. All PFI subscales were highly significantly correlated with all UWES, SCS, and DASS subscales and composite scales. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Performance on the PFI was correlated with all the previously validated measures used in this study with the exception of self-reported medical errors. This suggests that the PFI, a simple 16-item measure, could serve as a single measure of composite physician wellbeing that can more easily be applied on an iterative basis. Additionally, this offers the opportunity to standardize physician wellness research for more comparable results.

Does Self-Compassion Moderate the Cross-Sectional Association Between Life Stress and Depressive Symptoms?

The central aims of the present study were to evaluate bivariate and multivariate associations between components of self-compassion and depressive symptoms, and to investigate the degree to which self-compassion and its components buffer the association between life stress and depressive symptoms. In a sample of female undergraduate students, linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) total and subscale scores as predictors of depressive symptoms (n = 218), and the total and subscale scores as moderators of the cross-sectional association between negative life events and depressive symptoms (n = 216). The SCS total and subscale scores, coded such that higher scores indicated higher self-compassion, were all significantly and negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). When depressive symptoms were simultaneously regressed on all SCS subscales, high correlations among subscales limited our ability to interpret parameter estimates. A post hoc analysis was therefore conducted in which depressive symptoms were regressed on composites of positive (self-compassion) and negative (uncompassionate behavior) subscales of the SCS. Results indicated that only uncompassionate behavior was significantly associated with unique variance in depressive symptoms. Neither the SCS total score nor any of the subscale scores significantly moderated the association between negative life events and depressive symptoms. Self-compassion, particularly uncompassionate behavior, is associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, irrespective of the experience of negative life events. However, self-compassion does not buffer the positive cross-sectional association of negative life events with depressive symptoms.

The effect of revised process recording on self-focus and self-compassion: A randomized controlled pilot study.

Thirty-five university nursing students in Japan participated in this randomized controlled trial. The revised process recording referred to self-compassion. Both the control and intervention groups completed the self-compassion scale (SCS) pre- and post-intervention. A repeated two-way analysis of variance examined the interaction effect of time × group on the SCS subscales. A significant interaction effect was observed only for mindfulness; the score only increased in the intervention group. The revised process recording might facilitate self-compassion, making it appropriate for nursing education.

Dog Ownership and Training Reduces Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Increases Self-Compassion Among Veterans: Results of a Longitudinal Control Study.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure the potential impact of a therapeutic dog ownership and training program for Veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Design: The study used a quasi-experimental design with two cohorts of Veterans-a dog owner-trainer intervention and a wait list control group. Participants completed baseline and 12-month follow-up assessments. Setting: Clear Path for Veterans, a nonclinical, open recreation facility whose mission is to support Veterans and their families in the reintegration process after military service. Subjects: Participants (n = 48) were either enrolled in the veterans therapeutic dog owner-trainer program (Dogs2Vets) or were placed in the wait list control group. Intervention: Veterans were enrolled in the Dogs2Vets program, a 12-month structured dog owner-trainer program that engages veterans in the training and care of a dog that they ultimately adopt. The Dogs2Vets Program focuses on the healing aspects of the human-animal bond. Outcome measures: PTSD Checklist, Military Version (PCL-M), perceived stress scale, self-compassion scale (SCS) composite, and SCS subscales for isolation and self-judgment. Results: Veterans participating in the Dogs2Vets owner-trainer program experienced significant reductions in symptoms of post-traumatic stress, perceived stress, isolation, and self-judgment accompanied by significant increases in self-compassion. In contrast there were no significant improvements in these measures among veterans in the wait list control group. Qualitative data reinforced the statistical findings with themes of decreased isolation, unconditional acceptance and companionship, and a renewed sense of safety and purpose from their relationships with their dogs. Conclusion: Veterans benefit significantly from dog ownership in combination with a structured dog training program. Not only do they experience significant decreases in stress and post-traumatic stress symptoms but also they experience less isolation and self-judgment while also experiencing significant improvements in self-compassion.

Good and Bad Sides of Self-Compassion: A Face Validity Check of the Self-Compassion Scale and an Investigation of its Relations to Coping and Emotional Symptoms in Non-Clinical Adolescents

To demonstrate that the positive and negative subscales of Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) are very different in nature, we conducted a series of face validity checks on the items of this questionnaire among psychologists and psychology students (Study 1). Furthermore, a survey was administered to a convenience sample of non-clinical adolescents to examine the relations between various SCS subscales and symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as coping styles (Study 2). The results of the face validity checks revealed that the positive subscales seem to be well in line with the protective nature of self-compassion as they were mainly associated with cognitive coping and healthy functioning, whereas the negative subscales were chiefly associated with psychopathological symptoms and mental illness. The survey data demonstrated that the positive SCS subscales were positively correlated with adaptive coping (r’s between .22 and .50) and negatively correlated with symptoms of anxiety and depression (r’s between −.19 and −.53), while the negative subscales were positively correlated with symptoms (r’s between .49 and .61) and maladaptive coping strategies such as passive reacting (r’s between .53 and .56). Additional analyses indicated the negative subscales of the SCS accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in symptoms, whereas the unique contribution of the positive SCS subscales was fairly marginal. We caution to employ the total SCS score that includes the reversed negative subscales as such a procedure clearly inflates the relation between self-compassion and psychopathology.

Structural validation of the Self-Compassion Scale with a German general population sample.

BackgroundPublished validation studies have reported different factor structures for the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). The objective of this study was to assess the factor structure of the SCS in a large general population sample representative of the German population.MethodsA German population sample completed the SCS and other self-report measures. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in MPlus was used to test six models previously found in factor analytic studies (unifactorial model, two-factor model, three-factor model, six-factor model, a hierarchical (second order) model with six first-order factors and two second-order factors, and a model with arbitrarily assigned items to six factors). In addition, three bifactor models were also tested: bifactor model #1 with two group factors (SCS positive items, called SCS positive) and SCS negative items, called SCS negative) and one general factor (overall SCS); bifactor model #2, which is a two-tier model with six group factors, three (SCS positive subscales) corresponding to one general dimension (SCS positive) and three (SCS negative subscales) corresponding to the second general dimension (SCS negative); bifactor model #3 with six group factors (six SCS subscales) and one general factor (overall SCS).ResultsThe two-factor model, the six-factor model, and the hierarchical model showed less than ideal, but acceptable fit. The model fit indices for these models were comparable, with no apparent advantage of the six-factor model over the two-factor model. The one-factor model, the three-factor model, and bifactor model #3 showed poor fit. The other two bifactor models showed strong support for two factors: SCS positive and SCS negative.ConclusionThe main results of this study are that, among the German general population, six SCS factors and two SCS factors fit the data reasonably well. While six factors can be modelled, the three negative factors and the three positive factors, respectively, did not reflect reliable or meaningful variance beyond the two summative positive and negative item factors. As such, we recommend the use of two subscale scores to capture a positive factor and a negative factor when administering the German SCS to general population samples and we strongly advise against the use of a total score across all SCS items.

A Close Examination of the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Depressive Symptoms

Self-compassion has shown to be beneficial for individuals’ wellbeing; in particular, it has been associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to further explore the association between self-compassion, as measured by the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and depressive symptoms, in a large representative sample of community adults (n = 734, Mean age = 55.7, SD = 15.2). We examined the association of depressive symptoms with the SCS total score, the SCS six subscales (i.e., self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification), and the SCS positive and negative items (referred to as self-compassion and self-coldness, respectively). In addition, we explored the predictive ability of self-compassion, self-coldness, and the SCS six subscales on depressive symptoms both cross-sectionally and over a 1-year period of time. Finally, we sought to test the moderating role of self-compassion on the association between self-coldness and depressive symptoms. Results showed that the SCS negative items and subscales were more strongly related to depressive symptoms than the SCS positive items and subscales. Accordingly, self-coldness was a stronger predictor of depressive symptoms, cross-sectionally and over a 1-year timeframe, when compared with self-compassion. Particularly, the feeling of being isolated was shown to be strongly associated with depressive symptoms. We did not find substantial evidence for a moderating role of self-compassion on the association between self-coldness and depressive symptoms. Future research needs to determine the added value of assessing self-coldness and whether or not it is an essential part of self-compassion.

Associations Among Self-Compassion, Eating Behaviors, and Stress in College Freshmen

Purpose: Few studies have investigated the potential relationship between self-compassion and eating behaviors. Self-compassion has been shown to improve one’s ability to respond more effectively to various situations and stressors by embracing the constructs of self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness. This study examined correlations between self-compassion, eating behaviors and stress in first-time college freshmen.Methods: First-time freshmen (N=1477), ages 18-22 years (63% female), self-reported measures of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Associations among PSS, SCS and TFEQ scores were examined with Pearson correlations by gender. Differences by gender were explored with t-tests.Results: There were significant (p &lt; 0.01) correlations between disinhibition and negative SCS constructs (self-judgment, r = 0.29; isolation, r = 0.23; over-identification, r = 0.28) and restraint and self-judgment in females (r = 0.26). Females scored significantly higher than males on PSS and negative SCS subscales (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Interventions increasing self-compassion and reducing stress may optimally support psychological and behavioral wellbeing as students transition into college. Future research needs to understand how self-compassion interventions may attenuate the inimical cycle of dietary restraint and disinhibition in university students.

The Self-Compassion Scale is a Valid and Theoretically Coherent Measure of Self-Compassion

Recently, the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) has been criticized for problems with psychometric validity. Further, the use of an overall self-compassion score that includes items representing the lack of self-compassion has been called into question. I argue that the SCS is consistent with my definition of self-compassion, which I see as a dynamic balance between the compassionate versus uncompassionate ways that individuals emotionally respond to pain and failure (with kindness or judgment), cognitively understand their predicament (as part of the human experience or as isolating), and pay attention to suffering (in a mindful or over-identified manner). A summary of new empirical evidence is provided using a bi-factor analysis, which indicates that at least 90 % of the reliable variance in SCS scores can be explained by an overall self-compassion factor in five different populations, justifying the use of a total scale score. Support for a six-factor structure to the SCS was also found; however, suggesting the scale can be used in a flexible manner depending on the interests of researchers. I also discuss the issue of whether a two-factor model of the SCS—which collapses self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness items into a “self-compassion” factor and self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification items into a “self-criticism” factor—makes theoretical sense. Finally, I present new data showing that self-compassion training increases scores on the positive SCS subscales and decreases scores on the negative subscales, supporting the idea that self-compassion represents more compassionate and fewer uncompassionate responses to suffering.

Self-compassion and depressive symptoms in a Norwegian student sample

Excessive self-criticism is common to many mental health problems, including depression. Theoretically, positive self-compassion may work to prevent depression by protecting against the proliferation of self-condemning responses. A sample of Norwegian university students (N = 277, mean age = 22.9 years, SD = 3.5 years, 56% women) completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and the SCL-90 Depression subscale. Items of the three positive SCS-subscales (self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity) and items of the three negative SCS subscales (self-judgment, over-identification, and isolation) were combined to provide measures of Positive Self-Compassion and Self-Condemnation respectively. A moderation analysis indicated that the association between Self-Condemnation and Depressive Symptoms was weaker for individuals high in positive self-compassion, as expected. Bootstrap mediation analyses (conducted separately in groups scoring high and low in positive self-compassion) suggested that, in individuals high in positive self-compassion, self-compassion worked to reduce depressive symptoms by inversely affecting self-condemnation. When positive self-compassion was low, however, only Self-Condemnation predicted Depressive Symptoms. These results suggest that when positive self-compassion is above a certain level, it can keep self-condemning responses in check. If positive self-compassion is too weak, however, something else is needed, perhaps understanding input from another person.

Preliminary Evidence for Infusing Mindfulness, Yoga and Parenting Education Training on the Resilience-building Capacity for Incarcerated Fathers

Background and Purpose: Research has shown correlations between mindfulness, yoga and reduced risky behaviors among incarcerated and high-risk populations. Research has also shown that yoga can increase positive mental and physical health. Purpose: The present study extends current knowledge by combining a parenting program with yoga instruction in a 12-session series delivered to incarcerated fathers. We hypothesized that participants' resilience and parenting knowledge would increase from beginning to end of program. Methods: Using three measures for parental resiliency and one program scale for parenting, we assessed pretest to posttest changes in 65 of 112 criminal justice-involved fathers who completed a parenting curriculum that includes yoga and mindfulness instruction. Results: Participants significantly improved on two of three measures of resilience: overall Self Compassion Scale (SCS), and overall Whole Person Scale (WPS), which includes a total of three of six SCS subscales and three of four WPS subscales, from pretest to posttest; and on a parenting scale (Fit2bFathers Program Scale). Conclusion: The study provides preliminary evidence that a parenting program with yoga instruction may be an effective intervention for high-risk populations where parenting skills may be limited or stressed.

Self-compassion and empathy across cultures: Comparison of young adults in China and the United States

A cross-cultural study was conducted to examine differences in self-compassion and empathy among Chinese and American undergraduates. Forty Chinese and 41 American undergraduates completed the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Groups did not significantly differ in overall Self-Compassion or Empathy. However, significant differences were found in the Self-Kindness, Common Humanity, Isolation, and Over-Identification SCS subscales and the Personal Distress IRI subscale (Chinese > American). American students reported significantly higher scores on the Fantasy and Empathic Concern IRI subscales. Gender differences were stable across groups. The results of this study have implications for understanding self- and other-directed pro-social attitudes, beliefs and behaviors across cultures.

P-85 - A public health innovation: results from the first peer-led study of seeking safety for trauma and substance abuse

Introduction Posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder is an important comorbidity in terms of its prevalence, clinical impact, and treatment challenges. To date, interventions for this comorbidity have been solely professionally led. Objectives/aims In this pilot study, we sought to evaluate the impact of a peer-led model, using Seeking Safety (SS; Najavits, 2002), which is the most evidence-based intervention thus far for the comorbidity. We adapted it for peer-led use to help make it accessible and safe for this modality. Methods Eighteen women in residential substance abuse treatment participated. The 25 SS topics were conducted twice weekly. They were assessed at baseline and end of treatment, with some measures also collected at monthly interims. Results Results showed decreases in trauma-related symptoms (Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 total scale and all subscales, i.e., dissociation, sexual problems, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and sexual abuse); self-compassion (the Self-Compassion Scale subscales self-judgment, isolation, and overidentified); the Brief Symptom Inventory (total and all nine subscales); and a measure of use of SS coping skills (total score). Also, ratings of fidelity to SS was very high (on the SS Adherence Scale), as was satisfaction with SS. Conclusions Limitations of the study and areas for future research development are discussed.