Introduction:
The Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form is a 12-item psychological questionnaire that gauges how gently you relate to your own mistakes, pain, and imperfections. Each statement reflects an aspect of self-kindness, common humanity, or mindful balance.
This tool converts your answers into a single mean score from 1.0 to 5.0. Lower values signal harsh self-criticism, while higher values indicate consistent warmth and perspective toward yourself. Results are grouped into Low, Moderate, or High ranges for quick interpretation.
You might use the score to track personal growth, tailor mindfulness practice, or discuss patterns with a counsellor. Do not rely on it during acute distress. This assessment is educational and not a clinical diagnosis.
Technical Details:
The questionnaire calculates a mean score after reverse-coding six negatively worded items, then visualises the result on an interactive gauge chart.
The reverse-coding step converts harsh-self-talk items so that every response aligns positively with self-compassion.
- Scale: five-point Likert (1 = Almost never, 5 = Almost always).
- Items reversed: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12.
- Final score: arithmetic mean of all 12 adjusted values.
- Level cut-offs: <2.5 Low, 2.5–<3.5 Moderate, ≥3.5 High.
| Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 1.0 – 2.4 | Low self-compassion |
| 2.5 – 3.4 | Moderate self-compassion |
| 3.5 – 5.0 | High self-compassion |
All processing runs locally for instant feedback and data privacy.
Calculations & Scoring:
The assessment performs a single calculation to transform responses into your overall mean score.
Reverse-coding ensures all higher numbers indicate greater self-compassion.
This total combines every positively aligned response.
Division produces the mean score in the original 1-to-5 metric.
The score falls in the High range, reflecting strong self-kindness.
Final Result
Your calculated mean score is displayed on the gauge and summarised beneath it.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Follow these steps to complete the assessment accurately.
- Click Start Assessment to load the first item.
- Read the statement, then select one radio option from Almost never to Almost always.
- Watch the progress bar; it fills as each response is saved automatically.
- Use the right-side question list to revisit any item marked with a ✅.
- After answering all 12 statements, view your score on the gauge chart.
- Scroll down to review a table of every question and your selected response.
- Copy or print the summary if you plan to discuss results with a professional.
FAQ:
Quick answers to common questions about this assessment.
What does my score mean?
A lower score suggests frequent self-criticism, whereas a higher score indicates compassionate self-talk. Use the level labels for context.
Is my data stored?
No. Responses never leave your device; scoring and chart rendering happen entirely in your browser.
Can the scale diagnose me?
No. The scale screens for self-compassion patterns; only qualified professionals can diagnose mental-health conditions.
How long does it take?
Most users finish in about two minutes. The progress bar tracks completion in real time.
May I retake it later?
Yes. Repeating the assessment periodically can help track changes, but avoid multiple attempts in a single day to prevent response bias.
Troubleshooting:
Resolve common issues quickly with the tips below.
- Page does not load → disable aggressive browser extensions and refresh.
- Gauge chart is blank → check that JavaScript is enabled.
- Progress bar freezes → ensure all questions have one selected option.
- Score seems wrong → confirm you did not skip a reversed item.
- Printing cuts off the chart → use landscape orientation.
Advanced Tips:
Maximise insight with these expert suggestions.
- Journal reflections on items scoring 1 or 2 to identify self-critical themes.
- Pair monthly retakes with mindfulness meditation practice to track progress.
- Discuss your range with a therapist for personalised strategies.
- Compare results over time using the encoded URL parameter for quick sharing.
- Create a bar chart of individual item scores to spot strengths and gaps.
Glossary:
Key terms used throughout the assessment.
- Self-compassion
- Warm, non-judgemental attitude toward oneself in hardship.
- Reverse-coding
- Transforming negative items so higher numbers reflect positivity.
- Likert scale
- Rating system where respondents indicate agreement frequency.
- Mean score
- Arithmetic average of all adjusted responses.
- Gauge chart
- Semi-circular visual showing value within a fixed range.