Validation of a German version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-D)

Background: Self-compassion can be defined as a positive stance toward oneself when things go badly. Self-compassion as a trait has been proven as an effective protective factor, fostering emotional resilience. Recently, therapeutic approaches aimed at improving self-compassion have been developed. Objective: Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the German version of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-D). Methods: The 26-item scale was translated into German and, using two samples (396 and 165 persons), dimensionality, reliability and validity of the SES-D were evaluated. Results: Comparable to results using the original scale, the SCS-D showed a six-factor structure and expected associations with symptom distress and indicators of subjective well-being were found. Conclusions: The German version of the SCS seems to be an economic, reliable, and valid questionnaire for assessing self-compassion.