Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI)

Abstract

The Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI), developed by Chinh et al. (2023), aims to provide a reliable and valid measure of self-compassion. This 5-item rating scale assesses self-kindness, mindful acceptance, and common humanity. Its development was informed by theoretical frameworks, prior research, and feedback from experts and cancer patients, aligning with the principles of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures. The BSCI was initially validated in a sample of adults diagnosed with various cancers (breast, gastrointestinal, lung, or prostate). Initial evaluations demonstrated strong factor analysis, reliability, and validity results within this population. The developers suggest further testing of the BSCI in diverse medical and nonclinical populations to ascertain its broader applicability.

Keywords

Self-Compassion Assessment, Self-Kindness, Mindful Acceptance, Mindfulness, State Trait Level Measures, Self-Regard, Self-Forgiveness

Authors

Chinh, Kelly; Wu, Wei; Johns, Shelley A.; Stutz, Patrick V.; McGrew, John H.; Mosher, Catherine E.

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Purpose

The primary purpose of the Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI) is to serve as a comprehensive measure of self-compassion. This instrument is intended for use in both research and clinical settings to explore the associations between self-compassion and various physical and mental health outcomes.

Validity

Construct Validity: The construct validity of the BSCI has been established by examining its correlations with psychological variables that are theoretically linked to self-compassion. These variables include mindfulness, acceptance of cancer, and other coping strategies, with expected relationships demonstrating the instrument’s ability to measure the intended construct.

Reliability

Internal Consistency: The internal consistency reliability of the BSCI was found to be excellent, with a Cronbach’s alpha (α) of 0.90 and an omega (ω) of 0.90. These values indicate a high degree of interrelatedness among the items, suggesting that they consistently measure the same construct.

Factor Analysis

Confirmatory Factor Analysis: A single-factor model was determined to be the best fit for the BSCI, demonstrating superior model fit indices (SRMR = 0.03, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.07) compared to other models tested. All standardized factor loadings for the items exceeded the recommended threshold of 0.40, ranging from 0.76 to 0.83, indicating strong individual item contributions to the overall factor.

Measurement Invariance: Testing for measurement invariance revealed that the BSCI can be reliably used across different subgroups, specifically patients of varying genders, cancer types, and stages of illness. This suggests that the instrument measures self-compassion consistently across these diverse characteristics.

Instrument: Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI)

Test Type: Original rating scale.

Format: Participants are instructed to rate each of the 5 items based on their experiences over the past two weeks. The responses are provided on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 = “not at all” to 5 = “very much.” All items are positively worded, meaning that higher scores on the BSCI indicate greater levels of self-compassion.

Language Available: English.

Population Group: Human; Male; Female.

Age Group: Adulthood (18 years and older).

Population Details: The initial target population for validation was cancer patients. Specifically, respondents included individuals diagnosed with breast, gastrointestinal, lung, or prostate cancer. The study was conducted in the United States.

Test Methodology: The methodology employed in the development and validation of the BSCI involved several key psychometric analyses. These included:

• Test Validity: Assessing the extent to which the test measures what it claims to measure.

• Construct Validity: Examining the theoretical relationships between the BSCI and other psychological variables.

• Test Reliability: Evaluating the consistency and stability of the test scores.

• Internal Consistency: Measuring the consistency of responses across items within the scale.

• Factor Analysis: Identifying the underlying structure of the items.

• Confirmatory Factor Analysis: Confirming the hypothesized factor structure of the scale.

• Measurement Invariance: Ensuring that the scale functions similarly across different groups.

Keywords

Self-Compassion Assessment; Self-Kindness; Mindful Acceptance

Authors

Chinh, Kelly

• Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Wu, Wei

• Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Johns, Shelley A.

• Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Stutz, Patrick V.

• Author ORCID Identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2731-7641

• Affiliation: Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine

McGrew, John H.

• Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Mosher, Catherine E.

• Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

• Email addresses: [email protected]

• Correspondence Address: [email protected]

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Permissions: The Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI) may be used for research and teaching purposes.
Commercial Use: No
Fee: No
Test Year: 2023
Web Site for Permissions: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en

References

Chinh, K., Wu, W., Johns, S. A., Stutz, P. V., McGrew, J. H., & Mosher, C. E. (2023). Development and preliminary validation of the Brief Self-Compassion Inventory. PLoS ONE, 18(5), Article e0285658. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285658

Items of the Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI)

The Brief Self-Compassion Inventory is a 5-item scale. The specific items are available and can be found in the source reference: Chinh et al. (2023), PLoS ONE, 18(5), Article e0285658, Table 2, Page 9. All items are positively worded.

Brief Self-Compassion Inventory (BSCI)

This inventory comprises five items designed to assess self-compassion.

Items

1. When I had difficult feelings, I realized that these feelings would change over time.

2. When I faced a challenge, I reminded myself that challenges are a part of every human life.

3. I recognized that my struggles are also experienced by others.

4. I was able to soothe myself during times of stress.

5. I accepted my painful thoughts and feelings as a natural part of life.

Note: Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 = “not at all” to 5 = “very much.”