Item-Response Theory Psychometric Analysis and Factor Structure of the Self-Compassion and Self-Criticism Scales

Abstract

The study verifies the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the Self-Compassion and Self-Criticism Scales (SCCS) using item response theory, factor analysis, and scale validity. The survey sample was collected by convenience sampling and consisted of 514 participants (27% men and 73% women) with a mean age of 26.16 years (SD = 8.32). A two-dimensional structure of the scale was not confirmed. The Self-Criticism subscale of the SCCS remained the same as in the original study, and the Self-Compassion subscale of the SCCS was divided into the subscales Self-Compassion (compassionate reaction to self) and Self-Reassurance (reassuring and soothing reactions to self). The Slovak translation of the SCCS seems to be a reliable instrument to measure the level of self-compassion and self-criticism. The validity of the SCCS should be further explored by linking the scale results to directly observable outcome measures as there are significant but very weak correlations with other related scales. This could be due to differences between situational and trait self-compassion and self-criticism.