The scope of the current research is to
validate the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth (SCS-Y). For this study,
participants (N = 193,? = 11.74) were recruited online. Each participant
completed a battery of self-reported questionnaires. Normality was tested by
examining the distributional indices for each of the SCS-Y items. We then
examined the Pearson r intercorrelations of the SCS-Y items per factor. To test
the predictive model in which SCS-Y items fit, we conducted a confirmatory
factor analysis (CFA). Model fit indices were great: x2 = 1.338 (<3.00), CFI
= 0.90 (≥0.90), GFI = 0.92 (>0.90), RMSEA = 0.04 (<0.08) and SRMR =
0.06 (<0.08), which prove that the Greek version of SCS-Y has high construct
validity. We evaluated the internal consistency of the SCS-Y factors using
Cronbach’s alpha (a = 0.64). To further examine the scale’s construct validity,
we examined convergent and discriminant validity by testing the correlations
between other measures and scale’s factor scores. The results revealed that
SCS-Y is a reliable and valid psychometric instrument to measure
self-compassion in Greek youth. Furthermore, it reveals that these findings
extend to the children population between 8 and 14 years old and suggest an
imperative focus for future research and intervention.
References
[1]
Allen, A. B., & Leary, M. R. (2010). Self-Compassion, Stress, and Coping. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 4, 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2009.00246.x
[2]
Allen, A. B., Goldwasser, E., & Leary, M. (2012). Self-Compassion and Well-Being among Older Adults. Self and Identity, 11, 428-453. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2011.595082
[3]
Barnard, L. K., & Curry, J. F. (2011). Self-Compassion: Conceptualizations, Correlates, & Interventions. Review of General Psychology, 15, 289-303. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025754
[4]
Bentler, P. M. (1990). Comparative Fit Indexes in Structural Models. Psychological Bulletin, 107, 238-246. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.107.2.238
[5]
Bluth, K., & Blanton, P. (2014). Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Exploring Pathways to Adolescent Emotional Well-Being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23, 1298-1309. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-013-9830-2
[6]
Bluth, K., Roberson, P. N., & Gaylord, S. A. (2015). A Pilot Study of a Mindfulness Intervention for Adolescents and the Potential Role of Self-Compassion in Reducing Stress. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 11, 292-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2015.04.005
[7]
Brown, L., Bryant, C., Brown, V., Bei, B., & Judd, F. (2015). Investigating How Menopausal Factors and Self-Compassion Shape Well-Being: An Exploratory Path Analysis. Maturitas, 81, 293-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.03.001
[8]
Browne, M. W., & Cudeck, R. (1993). Alternative Ways of Assessing Model Fit. In K. A. Bollen, & J. S. Long (Eds.), Testing Structural Equation Models (pp. 136-162). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
[9]
Cohen, J., Cohen, P., West, S. G., & Aiken, L. S. (2003). Applied Multiple Correlation/Regression Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences. London: Taylor & Francis.
[10]
Davidson, R. J., & Harrington, A. (2002). Visions of Compassion: Western Scientists and Tibetan Buddhists Examine Human Nature. New York: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195130430.001.0001
[11]
DeVellis, R. F. (2012). Scale Development: Theory and Applications. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
[12]
Diener, E. D., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction with Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49, 71-75. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13
[13]
Diener, E., Wirtz, D., Tov, W., Kim-Prieto, C., Choi, D. W., Oishi, S., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). New Well-Being Measures: Short Scales to Assess Flourishing and Positive and Negative Feelings. Social Indicators Research, 97, 143-156. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-009-9493-y
[14]
Gilbert, P., & Irons, C. (2004). A Pilot Exploration of the Use of Compassionate Images in a Group of Self-Critical People. Memory, 12, 507-516. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658210444000115
[15]
Gilbert, P., & Procter, S. (2006). Compassionate Mind Training for People with High Shame and Self-Criticism: Overview and Pilot Study of a Group Therapy Approach. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 13, 353-379. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.507
[16]
Hair, J., Black, W., Babin, B., & Anderson, R. (2010). Multivariate Data Analysis (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
[17]
Heffernan, M., Quinn Griffin, M. T., McNulty, S. R., & Fitzpatrick, J. J. (2010). Self-Compassion and Emotional Intelligence in Nurses. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 16, 366-373. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172X.2010.01853.x
[18]
Homan, K. J. (2016). Self-Compassion and Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults. Journal of Adult Development, 23, 111-119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-016-9227-8
[19]
Hu, L. T., & Bentler, P. M. (1995). Evaluating Model Fit. In R. H. Hoyle (Ed.), Structural Equation Modeling: Concepts, Issues and Applications (pp. 77-99). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
[20]
Hu, L. T., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cut-Off Criteria for Fit Indexes in Covariance Structure Analysis: Conventional Criteria versus New Alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6, 1-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118
[21]
Jativa, R., & Cerezo, M. A. (2014). The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship between Victimisation and Psychological Maladjustment in a Sample of Adolescents. Child Abuse & Neglect, 38, 1180-1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.04.005
[22]
Jöreskog, K. G., & Sörbom, D. (1996). LISREL-VI User’s Guide (3rd ed.). Moorsville, IN: Scientific Software.
[23]
Karakasidou, E., & Stalikas, A. (2017). The Effectiveness of a Pilot Self-Compassion Program on Well Being Components. Psychology, 8, 538-549. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2017.84034
[24]
Karakasidou, E., Pezirkianidis, C., Stalikas, A., & Galanakis, M. (2016). Standardisation of the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) in a Greek Sample. Psychology, 7, 1753-1765. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2016.714164
[25]
Krieger, T., Altenstein, D., Baettig, I., Doerig, N., & Holtforth, M. G. (2013). Self-Compassion in Depression: Associations with Depressive Symptoms, Rumination, and Avoidance in Depressed Outpatients. Behavior Therapy, 44, 501-513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2013.04.004
[26]
Kyriazos, T. (2017). Reliability of Psychometric Instruments. In M. Galanakis, C. Pezirkianidis, & A. Stalikas (Eds.), Basic Aspects of Psychometrics (pp. 85-121). Athens: Topos.
[27]
Kyriazos, T. A., Stalikas, A., Prassa, K., Galanakis, M., Yotsidi, V., & Lakioti, A. (2018). Psychometric Evidence of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Modeling Distinctiveness of Resilience from Depression and Stress. Psychology, 9, 1828-1857. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2018.97107
[28]
Lovibond, P. F., & Lovibond, S. H. (1995). The Structure of Negative Emotional States: Comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 33, 335-343. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(94)00075-U
[29]
Lyubomirsky, S., & Lepper, H. S. (1999). A Measure of Subjective Happiness: Preliminary Reliability and Construct Validation. Social Indicators Research, 46, 137-155. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006824100041
[30]
Mantelou, A., & Karakasidou, E. (2017). The Effectiveness of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention Program on Self-Compassion, Positive and Negative Affect and Life Satisfaction. Psychology, 8, 590-610. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2017.84038
[31]
Neff, K. D. (2003a). The Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Self-Compassion. Self and Identity, 2, 223-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027
[32]
Neff, K. D. (2003b). Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualisation of a Healthy Attitude toward Oneself. Self and Identity, 2, 85-101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
[33]
Neff, K. D. (2009). The Role of Self-Compassion in Development: A Healthier Way to Relate to Oneself. Human Development, 52, 211-214. https://doi.org/10.1159/000215071
[34]
Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, and Well-Being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00330.x
[35]
Neff, K. D. (2016). The Self-Compassion Scale Is a Valid and Theoretically Coherent Measure of Self-Compassion. Mindfulness, 7, 264-274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-015-0479-3
[36]
Neff, K. D., & Costigan, A. P. (2014). Self-Compassion, Well-Being, and Happiness. Psychologie in Österreich, 2, 114-119. http://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/Neff&Costigan.pdf
[37]
Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013). A Pilot Study and Randomised Controlled Trial of the Mindful Self-Compassion Program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69, 28-44. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.21923
[38]
Neff, K. D., & Vonk, R. (2009). Self-Compassion versus Global Self-Esteem: Two Different Ways of Relating to Oneself. Journal of Personality, 77, 23-50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00537.x
[39]
Neff, K. D., Bluth, K., Tóth-Király, I., Davidson, O., Knox, M. C., Williamson, Z., & Costigan, A. (2021). Development and Validation of the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth. Journal of Personality Assessment, 103, 92-105. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2020.1729774
[40]
Neff, K. D., Kirkpatrick, K. L., & Rude, S. S. (2007). Self-Compassion and Adaptive Psychological Functioning. Journal of Research in Personality, 41, 139-154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2006.03.004
[41]
Neff, K. D., Rude, S. S., & Kirkpatrick, K. L. (2007). An Examination of Self-Compassion in Relation to Positive Psychological Functioning and Personality Traits. Journal of Research in Personality, 41, 908-916. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2006.08.002
[42]
Ozlem, T., Sahin-Baltaci, H., & Karatas, Z. (2017). Self-Compassion and Communication Skills in Predicting Psychological Help-Seeking Attitudes of Psychological Counsellor Candidates. New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4, 178-185. https://doi.org/10.18844/prosoc.v4i6.2928
[43]
Pauley, G., & McPherson, S. (2010). The Experience and Meaning of Compassion and Self-Compassion for Individuals with Depression or Anxiety. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 83, 129-143. https://doi.org/10.1348/147608309X471000
[44]
Perez-Blasco, J., Sales, A., Meléndez, J. C., & Mayordomo, T. (2016). The Effects of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion on Improving the Capacity to Adapt to Stress Situations in Elderly People Living in the Community. Clinical Gerontologist, 39, 90-103. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2015.1120253
[45]
Piedmont, R. L. (2014). Inter-Item Correlations. In A. C. Michalos (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research (pp. 3303-3304). Dordrecht: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_1493
[46]
Psychountaki, M., Zervas, Y., Karteroliotis, K., & Spielberger, C. (2003). Reliability and Validity of the Greek Version of the STAIC. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 19, 124. https://doi.org/10.1027//1015-5759.19.2.124
[47]
Raes, F. (2010). Rumination and Worry as Mediators of the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Depression and Anxiety. Personality and Individual Differences, 48, 757-761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.01.023
[48]
Raes, F. (2011). The Effect of Self-Compassion on the Development of Depression Symptoms in a Non-Clinical Sample. Mindfulness, 2, 33-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-011-0040-y
[49]
Shapiro, S. L., Brown, K. W., & Biegel, G. M. (2007). Teaching Self-Care to Caregivers: Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Mental Health of Therapists in Training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 1, 105-115. https://doi.org/10.1037/1931-3918.1.2.105
[50]
Smeets, E., Neff, K., Alberts, H., & Peters, M. (2014). Meeting Suffering with Kindness: Effects of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for Female College Students. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70, 794-807. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22076
[51]
Smith, B. W., Dalen, J., Wiggins, K., Tooley, E., Christopher, P., & Bernard, J. (2008). The Brief Resilience Scale: Assessing the Ability to Bounce Back. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 15, 194-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705500802222972
[52]
Spielberg, C. D., Edwards, C. D., Lushene, R. E., Montuori, J., & Platzek, D. (1973). Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press. https://doi.org/10.1037/t06497-000
[53]
Stalikas, A., & Flora, A. (2012). Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). In Psychometric Instruments in Greece (2nd ed., p. 247). Athens: Pedio.
[54]
Stalikas, A., & Lakioti, A. (2012). Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). In A. Stalikas, S. Triliva, & P. Roussi (Eds.), Psychometric Instruments in Greece (p. 752). Athens: Pedio.
[55]
Wang, W. L., Lee, H. L., & Fetzer, S. J. (2006). Challenges and Strategies of Instrument Translation. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 28, 310-321. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945905284712
[56]
Yarnell, L., & Neff, K. D. (2013). Self-Compassion, Interpersonal Conflict Resolutions, and Well-Being. Self and Identity, 12, 146-159. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2011.649545
[57]
Yu, D. S. F., Lee, D. T. F., & Woo, J. (2004). Issues and Challenges of Instrument Translation. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 26, 307-320. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945903260554