Deconstructing Self-Compassion: How the Continued Use of the Total Score of the Self-Compassion Scale Hinders Studying a Protective Construct Within the Context of Psychopathology and Stress

Abstract

In a new commentary in Mindfulness, Neff once again tried to defend the use of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) total score by arguing that compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding (CS and UCS) are part of a bipolar continuum. In this brief reaction, we refute this notion and also clarify how the continued use of the SCS total score muddies the water of research on self-compassion as a protective variable. We also illustrate how the SCS—by separating CS and UCS—can provide more valid and valuable information on protection and vulnerability within the context of psychopathology and stress than just relying on the total score of the SCS.