Translation and Psychometric Properties of the Thai Version of the Self-Compassion Scale (Thai SCS)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Thai Self-Compassion Scale (Thai SCS).
Material and Methods: Following Beaton’s guidelines, the Self-Compassion Scale was translated into Thai by two bilingual experts, synthesized into a preliminary version, back-translated by another two bilingual experts, and reviewed by all the translators and three additional experts. A focus group of 20 participants from diverse educational backgrounds was conducted to ensure clarity and conceptual equivalence with the original version. Data were collected from 428 Thai participants using the final Thai SCS via an online questionnaire. Quantitative analyses were performed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale.
Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported both the 4-factor model (χ²/df=3.40, RMSEA=0.075, CFI=0.943, TLI=0.936, SRMR=0.057) and the 6-factor model (χ²/df=3.48, RMSEA=0.076, CFI=0.943, TLI=0.934, SRMR=0.056), showing acceptable fit after removing Item 26 due to weak factor loading. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α=0.92), and test–retest reliability was strong (ICC=0.90). Latent class analysis revealed three self-compassion profiles: low, moderate, and high.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the 25-item Thai SCS showed acceptable psychometric properties, supporting both the four- and six-factor structures. This culturally adapted tool can advance research, improve clinical practice, and public health initiatives by enabling robust assessment of self-compassion in Thai adults.
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