Analysis

The Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form is an abbreviated version of the Self-Compassion Scale developed by Kristin Neff. Its purpose is to assess how often and to what extent an individual practices self-compassion toward themselves, using fewer items than the full version of the scale.

Purpose

The main goal of the Self-Compassion Scale is to provide a quick yet reliable method for evaluating a person’s self-compassion in situations of difficulty, failure, or disappointment, while using fewer statements than the full scale.

Calibration

The scale usually includes 12 statements that cover three key dimensions of self-compassion: self-kindness, human connectedness, and mindfulness. Participants rate each statement on a Likert scale, usually from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

References

Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-Compassion: An Alternative to Self-Esteem. In: K. D. Neff (Ed.), Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself (pp. 27-50). William Morrow.
Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. William Morrow.
Raes, L., Pommier, E., Neff, K. D., & Van Gucht, D. (2011). “Construction and Factorial Validation of a Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale.” Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 18(3), 250-255.
Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive. The Guilford Press.
Neff, K. D., & Vonk, R. (2009). “Self-Compassion Versus Global Self-Esteem: Two Different Ways of Relating to Oneself.” Journal of Personality, 77(1), 23-50.