The Polish adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form

Abstract

Aim. This study aimed to adapt the shortened version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF) into Polish and to evaluate the psychometric properties and factor structure of this new measure. Method. The study included 596 adults (aged 18–50) from the general population (459 women). Of these 596, 47 individuals completed the SCS-SF one month later to assess its stability. The adaptation procedure followed the procedure of the translation of the original version of the scale. Reliability of the measurement was checked using Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency index and the test-retest method. Convergent validity was evaluated using correlations between SCS-SF scores and intensity of mindfulness (understood as a trait), life satisfaction, self-esteem, acceptance of experiences, and levels of anxiety and depression. Stability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients between two measurements. Construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Results. The results showed that the Polish version of the SCS-SF has good psychometric properties and stability. Confirmation analysis suggests the presence of one main factor – global self-compassion assessment. Conclusions. The SCS-SF measures a global level of self-compassion and should be useful particularly when respondents’ time is limited. To obtain measures of sub-scales of self-compassion, we recommend using a full version of the SCS.