Proposal and Psychometric Validation of the Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale in Mexican University Students

The validation of the short form of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF) was conducted in the Mexican population by administering the original version (SCS), previously validated in Mexico, to a sample of 1,250 university students. A four-factor solution was identified, explaining 48.7% of the variance. The three items with the highest loadings for each factor were selected, resulting in a 12-item version with the dimensions of Self-Kindness, Common Humanity, Mindfulness, and Self-Criticism. This structure was confirmed with acceptable fit indices and good item loadings per dimension. Convergent and divergent validity analyses indicated adequate correlations, and the test-retest reliability at 3 months was acceptable. Thus, a validated 12-item version of the SCS-SF for university students in Mexico was obtained, demonstrating sound psychometric properties.