Further validation of the self-compassion scale in student samples: associations with attachment style and mental health outcomes

To date, many studies examined the factor structure of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), but there is still no consensus on which model best represents the construct. The current study examined the internal structure of the scale and further explored its convergent validity. SCS along with additional measures was administered on a total of 558 university students. We examined a one-factor, a two-factor, a six-factor model, a higher order model, and a bi-factor model which showed the best model fit. The total scale and specific subscales showed appropriate reliabilities. SCS correlated negatively with depression, anxiety, stress, fearful-avoidant and preoccupied attachment, while it correlated positively with well-being, satisfaction with life, and secure attachment. These findings allowed us to clarify the structure of SCS and they provided additional information on its predictive value. The Croatian version of the SCS has good psychometric properties and represents a valid measure of self-compassion.