Unconditional Positive Self-Regard (UPSR) and Self-Compassion, the Internal Consistency and Convergent/Divergent Validity of Patterson & Joseph’s UPSR Scale

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to test the psychometric properties and validity of the unconditional positive self-regard scale (UPSR) and its two subscales developed by Patterson & Joseph (2006). It also aims to examine and compare the concepts of UPSR with self-compassion and its relation to mental well-being. Design: Correlation survey design validations of the UPSR scale (Patterson & Joseph, 2006). Methods: The validation was conducted using an undergraduate and postgraduate student opportunity sample, n = 179. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s coefficient alpha and inter-item correlations. Convergent and divergent validity was explored in terms of correlations with self-compassion, depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) scales. Results: There was good internal consistency for both the UPSR scale and the self-regard subscale and somewhat questionable internal consistency for the conditionality subscale. Overall the scale appears to be relatively consistent, supporting the previous findings reported by Patterson & Joseph (2006). The results supported the hypothesis that UPSR is positively correlated with a measure of self-compassion and negatively correlated with measures of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7). Conclusions: The UPSR scale is a valid measure of the person-centred concept of unconditional positive self-regard. This supports the potential use of the UPSR scale for evaluating therapeutic change for client-centred practitioners through the use of this non-medicalized tool.