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The Self-Compassion Scale
Self-compassion is a skill that is invaluable in improving self-view and mental health; however, it is one that is not often taught as we grow up. Mental health professionals and researchers have worked hard to identify and quantify this trait in order to benefit treatment. To do so, many of them use the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS).
Defined as “relating to ourselves with self-kindness and less self-judgment, feelings of common humanity and fewer feelings of isolation, mindfulness and decreased overidentification in situations of perceived failure, inadequacy or personal suffering,” self-compassion has been significantly associated with positive mental health outcomes.
The Instrument (Self-Compassion Scale)
The self-compassion scale was developed by Kristin Neff in 2003 and was adapted based on the Buddhist perspective that “in order to have compassion for another’s suffering it is necessary to open to their pain with mindfulness, respond with loving-kindness, and recognize interconnectedness in the experience of suffering [1].”
In essence, self-compassion is then considered to be the same practice turned inward and “refers to how we relate to ourselves in instances of perceived failure, inadequacy, or personal suffering [1].”
The SCS considers self-compassion as it relates to the concepts of “increased self-kindness and reduced self-judgment, greater feelings of common humanity and fewer feelings of isolation, greater mindfulness, and less over-identification [1].”
These six aspects mutually impact one another but do not co-vary. The tool itself uses 26 items that measure these six elements.
For example, self-kindness is measured with an individual ranking a statement such as, “I try to be loving towards myself when I feel I am in emotional pain” on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being “almost never” and 5 being “almost always.” [1].” Common Humanity may be examined with the phrase, “when things are going badly for me, I see the difficulties as part of life that everyone goes through [1].”
After completing the survey, individual elements can be examined, or a total score can be used to determine overall self-compassion.
Effectiveness
The SCS is the most-used scale to measure self-compassion and rightly so. This measure has been found to have a good test, re-test reliability, and high internal reliability [1].
Studies have also found sufficient construct validity, determining that “higher scores on the SCS have been linked to greater levels of happiness, optimism, life satisfaction, body appreciation, perceived competence, and motivation; lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress, rumination, self-criticism, perfectionism, body shame and fear of failure; and healthier physiological responses to stress [1].”
Finally, the SCS appears to have good predictive reliability, often predicting stress, suicidality, anxiety, depression, and coping over time [1]. Essentially, the SCS tests what it is supposed to and appropriately measures these traits as they exist in the present moment, as well as how they may impact the individual in the future.
For those professionals intending to use self-compassion as a tool in the treatment of any mental illness, the SCS can provide great insight as to where an individual currently stands with this trait.
Resources:
[1] Neff, K. D., Toth-Kiraly, I. (Unknown). Self-compassion scale. “The Handbook of Assessment of Mindfulness,” Chapter 36; Springer.About the Author:
Margot Rittenhouse, MS, PLPC, NCC is a therapist who is passionate about providing mental health support to all in need and has worked with clients with substance abuse issues, eating disorders, domestic violence victims, and offenders, and severely mentally ill youth.
As a freelance writer for Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope and a mentor with MentorConnect, Margot is a passionate eating disorder advocate, committed to de-stigmatizing these illnesses while showing support for those struggling through mentoring, writing, and volunteering. Margot has a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective on eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published October 22, 2020, on EatingDisorderHope.com
Reviewed & Approved on October 22, 2020, by Jacquelyn Ekern MS, LPC
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
