Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form

What it measures

Measures treating oneself with kindness during failure, recognising imperfection as a shared human experience, and holding difficult feelings in balanced awareness. Derived from Neff's (2003) original 26-item SCS.

Response format

Likert (1–5, almost never to almost always)

Representative items

• I try to be understanding and patient towards aspects of my personality I don't like. (Self-Kindness)
• I try to see my failings as part of the human condition. (Common Humanity)
• When I fail at something important I become consumed by feelings of inadequacy. (R, Self-Judgement)
• I give myself the caring and tenderness I need during hard times. (Self-Kindness)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Freely available from Kristin Neff's website. Total score after reverse-scoring is commonly used. Particularly relevant in ACT and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) outcome research.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

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(3), 250–255.

Keywords