Dimensionality of self-compassion: translation and construct validation of the self-compassion scale in an Italian sample.

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.