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Self-Compassion

Compassion Scale (CS)

Dr. Kristen Neff’s Compassion Scale (CS) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure an individual’s level of compassion for others. It evaluates three key components: kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, each with a positive and negative dimension. The scale consists of 26 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, where higher scores indicate greater compassion. The CS is widely used in research on mindfulness, empathy and well-being.

Who can Use?

According to Dr. Kristen Neff, anyone can use the scale, “for any purpose whatsoever, including research, clinical work, teaching, etc.”. (Please be kind and cite her work appropriately.)

Where do can I find this Assessment?

This assessment is available here: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CS-information.pdf.

Citations

Pommier, E., Neff, K. D. & Tóth-Király I. (2019). The development and validation of the Compassion Scale. Assessment, 21-39.

Self-Compassion Scale (SCS)

Dr. Kristen Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is a tool designed to measure the level of self-compassion an individual possesses. It consists of 26 items that assess six components: self-kindness, self-judgement, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification. The scale is used in both research and clinical settings for individuals ages 14 and up (8th grade reading level) to help understand and promote self-compassion as a means of improving mental health and well-being.

Who can Use?

According to Dr. Kristen Neff, anyone can use the scale, “for any purpose whatsoever, including research, clinical work, teaching, etc.”. (Please be kind and cite her work appropriately.)

Where do can I find this Assessment?

This assessment is available here: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SCS-information.pdf.

Citations

Neff, K. D. (2003). Development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2, 223-250.

Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF)

Dr. Kristen Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) is a condensed version of the original Self-Compassion Scale and consists of 12 items. The short form measures the same six components: self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification. The SCS-SF maintains a high correlation with the full 26-item scale, making it a reliable and efficient tool for assessing self-compassion. This shorter form is particularly useful in research and clinical settings where time constraints would be a consideration.

Who can Use?

According to Dr. Kristen Neff, anyone can use the scale, “for any purpose whatsoever, including research, clinical work, teaching, etc.”. (Please be kind and cite her work appropriately.)

Where do can I find this Assessment?

This assessment is available here: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SCS-SF-information.pdf.

Citations

Raes, F., 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, 250-255.

Self-Compassion Scale for Youths (SCS-Y)

Dr. Kristen Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale for Youths (SCS-Y) is an adapted version of the original Self-Compassion Scale, designed specifically for early adolescents aged 10-14. It consists of 17 items that measure the same six components: self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification. The SCS-Y has been validated through various studies, demonstrating its reliability and construct validity for assessing self-compassion in younger populations. This scale is useful in both research and clinical settings to promote mental health and well-being among youths.

Who can Use?

According to Dr. Kristen Neff, anyone can use the scale, “for any purpose whatsoever, including research, clinical work, teaching, etc.”. (Please be kind and cite her work appropriately.)

Where do can I find this Assessment?

This assessment is available here: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SCS-Youth-information.pdf.

Citations

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(1), 92-105.

State Self-Compassion Scale Long Form (SSCS-L)

The State Self-Compassion Scale Long Form (SSCS-L) by Dr. Kristin Neff is an 18-item measure designed to assess the six components of self-compassion in experimental settings. These components include self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness and over-identification. The SSCS-L provides detailed evaluation of an individual’s self-compassionate mindset at a specific moment in time. It is often used in research to understand how self-compassion fluctuates in response to different situations or interventions.

Who can Use?

According to Dr. Kristen Neff, anyone can use the scale, “for any purpose whatsoever, including research, clinical work, teaching, etc.”. (Please be kind and cite her work appropriately.)

Where do can I find this Assessment?

This assessment is available here: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SCS-State-information.pdf

Citations

Neff, K. D., Tóth-Király, I., Knox, M. C., Kuchar, A., & Davidson, O. (2021). The Development and Validation of the State Self-Compassion Scale (Long-and Short Form). Mindfulness, 12(1), 121-140.