Dimensionality of self-compassion: translation and construct validation of the self-compassion scale in an Italian sample
Petrocchi, Nicola
Ottaviani, Cristina Couyoumdjian, Alessandro
Ottaviani, Cristina
Couyoumdjian, Alessandro
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Abstract
Background: The construct of self-compassion is receiving increased attention due to its strong link to mental health. Nonetheless, many questions concerning its dimensionality and construct validity remain open.
Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factorial structure and construct validity of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) in a sample of 424 Italian participants ranging in age from 17 to 65 years.
Method: SCS was translated with a back-translation procedure and then administered through an on-line survey, along with measures of self-blame, subjective loneliness, emotion regulation, depression and anxiety.
Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the six-factor model both in the overall sample and in gender and age subgroups. CFA did not support the single higher-order factor of self-compassion, originally found by the author of the scale. Negative associations of Self-Kindness, Common Humanity and Mindfulness subscales with anxiety and depression were confirmed. Moreover, negative correlations of these subscales with self-blame, positive correlations with reappraisal and non-significant associations with expressive suppression and subjective loneliness were found, unveiling aspects of the construct not fully investigated in empirical research.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that the SCS is a reliable tool but its dimensionality may vary according to different cultural contexts.
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Date
2013
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Research Projects
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Keywords
Coping, Dimensionality, Italian validation, Self-blame, Self-compassion scale
Citation
Petrocchi, Nicola, Cristina Ottaviani, and Alessandro Couyoumdjian. “Dimensionality of Self-Compassion: Translation and Construct Validation of the Self-Compassion Scale in an Italian Sample.” Journal of Mental Health 23 (2): 72–77. 2014.