Old Wine in New Bottles? The Case of Self–Compassion and Neuroticism

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Kandler ◽  
Stefan Pfattheicher ◽  
Mattis Geiger ◽  
Johanna Hartung ◽  
Selina Weiss ◽  
...  

Research on self–compassion, which is defined as being understanding and kind to oneself when confronted with negative experiences, has produced an impressive number of articles in recent years. This research shows that individual differences in self–compassion, as measured by the Self–Compassion Scale (SCS), are positively related to life satisfaction, health and social functioning. However, a critical and systematic test of self–compassion from a personality perspective has not yet conducted so far. In the present study ( N = 576), we (i) tested the factor structure of the SCS, (ii) examined the distinctiveness of self–compassion with regard to the five–factor model of personality, focusing on neuroticism, and (iii) tested the incremental predictive power of self–compassion beyond the five–factor model in the context of life satisfaction. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a two–factor plus six facets solution of self–compassion (a positive factor and a negative factor). Additional analyses revealed that the negative factor was redundant with facets of neuroticism ( rs ≥ .85), whereas the positive factor had some unique variance left. However, neither the negative factor nor the positive factor could explain substantial incremental variance in life satisfaction beyond neuroticism. Recommendations for how to use the SCS are provided, and the future of research on self–compassion is discussed. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin D. Neff ◽  
István Tóth–Király ◽  
Ken Colosimo

Pfattheicher and colleagues recently published an article entitled ‘Old Wine in New Bottles? The Case of Self–compassion and Neuroticism’ that argues the negative items of the Self–compassion Scale (SCS), which represent reduced uncompassionate self–responding, are redundant with neuroticism (especially its depression and anxiety facets) and do not evidence incremental validity in predicting life satisfaction. Using potentially problematic methods to examine the factor structure of the SCS (higher–order confirmatory factor analysis), they suggest a total self–compassion score should not be used and negative items should be dropped. In Study 1, we present a reanalysis of their data using what we argue are more theoretically appropriate methods (bifactor exploratory structural equation modelling) that support use of a global self–compassion factor (explaining 94% of item variance) over separate factors representing compassionate and reduced uncompassionate self–responding. While self–compassion evidenced a large correlation with neuroticism and depression and a small correlation with anxiety, it explained meaningful incremental validity in life satisfaction compared with neuroticism, depression, and anxiety. Findings were replicated in Study 2, which examined emotion regulation. Study 3 established the incremental validity of negative items with multiple well–being outcomes. We conclude that although self–compassion overlaps with neuroticism, the two constructs are distinct. © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology


2008 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 459-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. PETTER GUSTAVSSON ◽  
ANNA-KARIN ERIKSSON ◽  
AGNETA HILDING ◽  
MATTIAS GUNNARSSON ◽  
CLAES-GÖRAN ÖSTENSSON

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 1014-1032
Author(s):  
Mike A. Assel ◽  
Janelle J. Montroy ◽  
Jeffrey M. Williams ◽  
Matt Foster ◽  
Susan H. Landry ◽  
...  

Given the importance of math in today’s society, it is critical that children who are at risk for math difficulty are identified early. We developed and validated a prekindergarten math subtest (i.e., CIRCLE Progress Monitoring [CPM] Math Subtest). This teacher-completed measure evaluates domains considered important for later math development. Evaluation of validity was undertaken in a longitudinal sample of 383 children ( Mage = 4.9 years), and a follow-up sample of 3,691 children ( Mage = 4.4 years). The measure demonstrated adequate psychometric properties, including strong internal consistency reliability (α = .94) and test–retest reliability ( r = .78). Evaluation of concurrent and predictive validity demonstrated scores on the CPM Math Subtest were correlated with scores on other assessments at high levels ( rs from .55–.65). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the subtest conforms to a well-defined five-factor model that parallels areas considered to be important in the math literature.


2002 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. K. Skordilis ◽  
C. Sherrill ◽  
A. Yilla ◽  
D. Koutsouki ◽  
N. A. Stavrou

The factor structure of the Sport Orientation Questionnaire with three factors of competitiveness, win orientation, and goal orientation was examined in a sample of 243 wheelchair athletes from the USA. Based on sample-specific validity evidence theory, it was hypothesized that the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses would yield evidence on validity for wheelchair athletes who were different from able-bodied athletes. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the hypothesis with a clear fourth and a questionable fifth factor. A confirmatory factor analysis did not adequately explain the new five-factor model. The new emerging fourth and fifth factors separated the competitiveness element of the questionnaire in ‘self-referenced’ and ‘other-referenced’ elements of competitiveness. Results are discussed in terms of demographic characteristics of the sample of wheelchair athletes.


1993 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn T. Goode ◽  
David L. Roth

Experienced runners completed a Thoughts During Running Scale (TORS) immediately after a typical training run to assess the prevalence of certain thoughts during running. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) was also completed before and after the run. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that a five-factor model provided better fit than simpler models. Items concerning the demands of the running activity and the monitoring of body responses loaded on one "associative" factor. The four "nonassociative" factors in this model were labeled Daily Events, Interpersonal Relationships, External Surroundings, and Spiritual Reflection. Correlational analyses indicated small but significant relationships between the TDRS dimensions and changes in mood. Increases in vigor were correlated with the tendency to engage in nonassociative thought, and decreases in tension and anxiety were found among those who thought about interpersonal relationships during the run. These results supplement findings on the effects of certain thought patterns during strenuous exercise.


2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Dunkley ◽  
Kirk R. Blankstein ◽  
Jody–Lynn Berg

This study of university students ( n = 357) and community adults ( n = 223) examined personal standards (PS) and evaluative concerns (EC) higher–order dimensions of perfectionism that underlie several measures from three different theoretical frameworks. In both students and community adults, confirmatory factor analyses supported PS perfectionism and EC perfectionism higher–order latent factors. In relation to the revised NEO Personality Inventory, PS perfectionism was primarily related to conscientiousness and achievement striving. In contrast, EC perfectionism was primarily related to neuroticism, and lower positive emotions, trust and competence. EC perfectionism accounted for unique variance in current depressive and anxious symptoms over and above the five–factor domain scores. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Weiliang Lim ◽  
Elaine Chapman

Instruments to measure personality traits in the five-factor model of personality are typically lengthy, which can hamper their use in studies with multiple measures. In this study we developed a brief five-factor instrument based on a bipolar statement response format and validated the instrument for use in the Singapore education context. The 20-item Brief Five-Factor Instrument (BFFI) comprises four items to measure each personality factor in the five-factor model. To evaluate the internal structure of the BFFI, students at two polytechnics in Singapore responded to the scale (Polytechnic A, n = 421; Polytechnic B, n = 271). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the measure. Results suggest that the BFFI has promise for use in the Singapore education context.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adina Coroiu ◽  
Alexandra Meyer ◽  
Carlos A. Gomez-Garibello ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Aike Hessel ◽  
...  

Abstract. The Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ) developed by Buhrmester and colleagues ( 1988 ) in the US assesses the multidimensional construct of social competence via five distinct, but related subscales. Two versions comprising 40 and 30 items, respectively, are available in German. The purpose of the current study is to develop and validate a brief version of the ICQ among a large adult sample that is representative of the German general population. Data were collected from 2,009 participants. Three confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted in order to develop and validate the ICQ-15. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were computed for the ICQ-15. An initial CFA with the ICQ-30 formed the basis for the selection of the items to be included in the ICQ-15. Two subsequent CFA’s with the ICQ-15 revealed an excellent fit of the hypothesized five-factor model to the observed data. Internal consistency coefficients were in the adequate range. This preliminary evaluation shows that the ICQ-15 is a structurally valid measure of interpersonal competence recommended for research contexts with limited assessment time and for psychotherapy progress tracking in clinical settings.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme Rossier ◽  
Anton Aluja ◽  
Angel Blanch ◽  
Oumar Barry ◽  
Michel Hansenne ◽  
...  

Several personality models are known for being replicable across cultures, such as the Five–Factor Model (FFM) or Eysenck's Psychoticism–Extraversion–Neuroticism (PEN) model, and are for this reason considered universal. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the cross–cultural replicability of the recently revised Alternative FFM (AFFM). A total of 15 048 participants from 23 cultures completed the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKA–PQ) aimed at assessing personality according to this revised AFFM. Internal consistencies, gender differences and correlations with age were similar across cultures for all five factors and facet scales. The AFFM structure was very similar across samples and can be considered as highly replicable with total congruence coefficients ranging from .94 to .99. Measurement invariance across cultures was assessed using multi–group confirmatory factor analyses, and each higher–order personality factor did reach configural and metric invariance. Scalar invariance was never reached, which implies that culture–specific norms should be considered. The underlying structure of the ZKA–PQ replicates well across cultures, suggesting that this questionnaire can be used in a large diversity of cultures and that the AFFM might be as universal as the FFM or the PEN model. This suggests that more research is needed to identify and define an integrative framework underlying these personality models. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology


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