Development and Validation of Self-Compassion Scale in Korean Older Adults

This study aims to develop and validate the ‘Self-Compassion Scale for Korean Older Adults.’ Based on 13 items from Self-Compassion Scale(Neff, 2003) and in-depth interviews with 29 older adults aged 65 and above, 90 preliminary items for self-compassion scale specific to Korean older adults were initially developed. Subsequently, through expert consultations, a preliminary scale consisting of 32 items across four factors was constructed. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted with a sample of 300 older adults, resulting in a 14-item scale with a four-factor structure: kindness to others, common humanity, self-kindness and mindfulness. Following this, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed on an additional sample of 300 older adults to verify the adequacy and reliability of the four-factor structure. The validity of this scale was confirmed through convergent and discriminant validity. Furthermore, criterion validity was verified through correlation analyses with self-esteem, self-acceptance, and post-event rumination, while incremental validity was confirmed by examining the distinctiveness from social desirability and four Immeasurables, using life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression as dependent variables. Finally, we discuss the practical applications of the scale and implications for future research.