Description

The Compassionate and Self-Image Goals Scale (CSIGS) is a psychometric tool designed to assess two distinct types of interpersonal goals individuals set in their relationships: compassionate goals and self-image goals. Compassionate goals focus on the desire to help and support others, while self-image goals center on the effort to create and maintain a positive image of oneself in the eyes of others. The scale includes statements that evaluate the individual’s tendency to adopt these two types of goals in their interpersonal interactions.

Purpose

The primary aim of the CSIGS is to provide a reliable and valid instrument for assessing individuals’ orientations in relationships. This tool helps psychologists and researchers better understand how different goal types influence psychological well-being and the quality of interpersonal relationships. The information gathered can be used to develop interventions that enhance compassion and reduce excessive focus on self-image, thereby improving mental health and social functioning.

Analysis

The analysis of data collected through the CSIGS involves the use of statistical methods to evaluate the scale’s reliability and validity. Reliability is typically assessed using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure internal consistency of the items. Factor analysis is used to confirm the structure of the scale and identify the underlying dimensions of compassionate and self-image goals. Additionally, correlation analyses may be conducted to examine the relationship between CSIGS scores and other measures of psychological and social functioning.

Calibration

The CSIGS is calibrated using a Likert scale, where participants are asked to rate each statement from 1 (never) to 5 (always). Total scores are calculated by summing the ratings of the individual items for each type of goal. Higher scores on compassionate goals indicate greater focus on supporting and helping others, while higher scores on self-image goals indicate greater focus on creating and maintaining a positive self-image.

References

Crocker, J., & Canevello, A. (2008). Creating and undermining social support in communal relationships: The role of compassionate and self-image goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(3), 555–575.
Crocker, J., Canevello, A., Breines, J. G., & Flynn, H. (2010). Interpersonal goals and change in anxiety and dysphoria in first-semester college students. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(6), 1009–1024.
Canevello, A., & Crocker, J. (2011). Interpersonal goals, others’ regard for the self, and self-esteem: The paradoxical consequences of self-image and compassionate goals. European Journal of Social Psychology, 41(4), 422–434.
Crocker, J., & Canevello, A. (2012). Consequences of self-image and compassionate goals. In P. G. Devine & E. A. Plant (Eds.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol. 45, pp. 229–277). Academic Press.
Crocker, J., Olivier, M.-A., & Nuer, N. (2009). Self-image goals and compassionate goals: Costs and benefits. Self and Identity, 8(2–3), 251–269.