Psychometric Properties of the Compassion Scale: A Scoping Review

Abstract Objectives The Compassion Scale is among the few instruments with acceptable psychometric properties for assessing compassion for others, yet no review has mapped validation evidence across cultures. This scoping review aimed to identify, map, and systematize evidence on the psychometric properties of the CS across populations and cultures in which it has been validated. Method Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-COSMIN-ITC guidelines, seven studies were analyzed, addressing content validity, structural validity, validity based on external measures, and other psychometric properties. Risk of bias was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. Results Most studies reported adult samples; only two included adolescents. The bifactor and hierarchical four-factor models showed the best fit, though neither was consistently replicated across cultural adaptations. The general factor showed good to excellent internal consistency; subscale reliability varied from low to good. Evidence supported convergent and discriminant validity. Measurement invariance was established for gender and behavioral profiles in adolescents only, and social desirability did not fully account for CS associations in the one study that examined this property. Conclusions The CS demonstrates adequate psychometric properties as a brief compassion measure. Subscale scores from bifactor solutions should be interpreted with caution, and their clinical use is not yet supported. Validation in underrepresented populations is needed to consolidate CS properties and support its use in research and compassion-based interventions. Preregistration The review protocol was registered on OSF (Registration ID: QHWNG).