Exploring factors and demographic variability of the self-compassion scale for youth (SCS-Y) among Indian adolescents

Adolescence, a period of storm and stress requires a constant check for well-being. Research has proved solid evidence between self-compassion of adolescents and their well-being. However, its exploration in India, both as a construct and concept is amiss. The present study was aimed to fill this gap and tested the factorial properties of Self-compassion Scale-Youth (SCS-Y) among Indian adolescents. As a part, data of 815 adolescents, within the age range of 12–17 years were collected from six schools across Delhi, India. Confirmatory factor analysis of the one-factor, two-factor and six-factor model of the SCS-Y found factorial evidence for the use of two and six factor model, while the reliability analysis supported the use of a total score of SCS-Y and six sub-scores. Demographic variability analysis of the data highlighted that self-compassion was significantly different across gender, age, class and school type. Results highlighted that these differences were only seen significant for the negative indicators of self-compassion such as self-judgement, isolation and over-identification, where female adolescents, those above the age of 14 years, studying in class 9th and above (9th–12th), and in government schools had higher scores. The results from the study are discussed in light of adolescent well-being and self-compassion interventions.