Psychometric validation of the Arabic self-compassion scale short form (SCS-SF) among Lebanese adults.

Abstract

Self-compassion is defined as an orientation toward treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, particularly in times of personal failure, inadequacy, or external life challenges. It constitutes a significant strategy for fostering positive health behaviors and mitigating psychopathology. Given the limited prior research on this construct in the Lebanese context, the purpose of our study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic-translated Self Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF) in a Lebanese adult sample (N = 1269). The method for determining the psychometric properties involved conducting factorial analysis, which confirmed the six-factor structure of the scale with good fit indices. Internal reliability was adequate for the total score (Cronbach's α = 0.92) and all six factors (α = 0.71-0.84). Furthermore, convergent and divergent validity were established as the self-compassion score was positively associated with self-esteem and perceived social support, but negatively associated with neuroticism, depression, and anxiety. The availability of the validated Arabic SCS-SF can advance research on this construct, leading to a better understanding of the role of self-compassion in mental health, well-being, and resilience in this population.