Self-Criticism: A Measure of Uncompassionate Behaviors Toward the Self, Based on the Negative Components of the Self-Compassion Scale

Background: The use of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) as a single measure has been pointed out as problematic by many authors and its originally proposed structure has repeatedly been called into question. The negative facets of this construct are more strongly related to psychopathology than the positive indicators. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the different structures proposed for the SCS, including a new measure based only on the negative factors, and to assess the psychometric features of the more plausible solution. Method: The study employed a cross-sectional and cross-cultural design. A sample of Brazilian (n = 406) and Spanish (n = 416) primary care professionals completed the SCS, and other questionnaires to measure psychological health-related variables. The SCS factor structure was estimated using confirmatory factor analysis by the maximum likelihood method. Internal consistency was assessed by squaring the correlation between the latent true variable and the observed variables. The relationships between the SCS and other constructs were analyzed using Spearman's r(s). Results: The structure with the best fit was comprised of the three negative first-order factors of "self-judgment", "isolation" and "over-identification", and one negative second-order factor, which has been named "self-criticism" [CFI = 0.92RMSEA = 0.06 (90% Cl = 0.05-0.07)SRMR = 0.05]. This solution was supported by both samples, presented partial metric invariance [CFI = 0.91RMSEA = 0.06 (90% Cl = 0.05-0.06)SRMR = 0.06], and showed significant correlations with other health related psychological constructs. Reliability was adequate for all the dimensions (R >= 0.70). Conclusions: The original structure proposed for the SCS was not supported by the data. Self-criticism, comprising only the negative SCS factors, might be a measure of uncompassionate behaviors toward the self, with good psychometric properties and practical implications from a clinical point of view, reaching a stable structure and overcoming possible methodological artifacts.Department of Preventive Medicine of the Federal University of Sao PauloUniv Zaragoza, Fac Hlth & Sport Sci, Ctr Invest Biomed Red Salud Mental, Primary Care Prevent & Hlth Promot Res Network, Zaragoza, SpainUniv Los Andes, Dept Publ Hlth & Epidemiol, Fac Med, Santiago, ChileLondon Sch Hyg & Trop Med, Dept Populat Hlth, London, EnglandUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, Mente Aberta Brazilian Ctr Mindfulness & Heath Pr, Sao Paulo, BrazilHosp Albert Einstein, Inst Israelita Ensino & Pesquisa, Sao Paulo, BrazilClin Rodero, Santander, SpainMiguel Servet Hosp, Zaragoza, SpainUniv Zaragoza, Primary Care Prevent & Hlth Promot Res Network, Inst Aragones Ciencias Salud, Ctr Invest Biomed Red Salud Mental, Zaragoza, SpainUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Prevent Med, Mente Aberta Brazilian Ctr Mindfulness & Heath Pr, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc