Paula Castilho

Validation of the Psychometric Properties of the Self-Compassion Scale. Testing the Factorial Validity and Factorial Invariance of the Measure among Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorder and General Populations

BACKGROUND During the last years, there has been a growing interest in self-compassion. Empirical evidences show that self-compassion is associated with psychological benefits among young adults and it might be considered a buffer factor in several mental disorders. AIMS The aim of this study was to validate the psychometric properties of the Self-compassion Scale (SCS: Neff, 2003a) after the initial lack of replicating the original six-factor structure. METHOD Data were collected from the overall database of a research centre (56 men and 305 women; mean age = 25.19) and comprised four groups: borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorder and general population. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model (self-compassionate attitude versus self-critical attitude) with good internal consistencies, construct-related validity and external validity. Configural, weak measurement and structural invariance of the two-factor model of SCS were also shown. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the generalizability of the two-factor model and show that both properties and interpretations of scores on self-compassion are equivalent across these population groups. Copyright

Evaluating the Multifactor Structure of the Long and Short Versions of the Self-Compassion Scale in a Clinical Sample

OBJECTIVE There has been a growing interest in the concept of self-compassion in Eastern psychology. The aim of the present study was to explore the dimensionality of the widely used Self-Compassion Scale (SCS; long and short versions) in both clinical and nonclinical samples METHOD Several confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were computed in a mixed clinical (n = 316) and a nonclinical sample (n = 1128) from the Portuguese population. Also, differences were tested between the groups in the SCS 6 factors. RESULTS The CFA supported both a 6-factor model and a hierarchical model in both samples. The SCS also showed good psychometric properties, with good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity. Our study further suggests that individuals with several psychopathological disorders showed significantly lower self-compassionate abilities. CONCLUSIONS The SCS (long and short versions) is thus a reliable instrument to assess self-compassion and is useful for research and, in particular, clinical practice.

Exploring Self-criticism: Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the FSCRS in Clinical and Nonclinical Samples

The Forms of Self-criticizing/Attacking and Self-reassuring Scale (FSCRS) is a self-report questionnaire that assesses the forms of self-criticism and self-reassurance. The aim of this study was to explore the latent structure of the FSCRS in nonclinical and clinical samples. Data from 381 participants from the general population and from 304 participants from clinical settings were subjected to confirmatory factor analyses to explore several structural models reflecting alternative representations of the FSCRS dimensionality. Overall, the model with the best fit to the data, in both samples, was the three-factor model (inadequate self, hated self and reassured self subscales) replicating the FSCRS original structure. The scale showed good psychometric characteristics, and the three factors discriminated between the clinical and nonclinical samples. To our knowledge, this is the first study to confirm the factor structure of the FSCRS in a purely clinical sample, and to test alternative models. This study adds to the existent literature that has been supporting the conceptualization of self-criticism as a multidimensional construct. Given the good psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the FSCRS, its use is encouraged and recommended for the assessment of self-criticism in both clinical and research settings.

Auto-Compaixão: estudo da validação da versão portuguesa da Escala da Auto-Compaixão e da sua relação com as experiências adversas na infância, a comparação social e a psicopatologia

Self-compassion represents a strategy for emotional self-regulation positive alternative to self-criticism, with a protective effect in psychopathology. This study explore the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of Self-Compassion Scale (Self-Compassion Scale, SCS; Neff, 2003), the type of adverse childhood experiences associated negatively with self-compassion and its relation with the social comparison and psychopathology in a sample of 631 college students. SCS has internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent and divergent validity satisfactory. The results of the 2nd study show that the experiences of criticism, and disinterest on the part of the father (in men) and mother (women) contribute to self-compassion low (high self-criticism and shame as the opposition). Self-compassion is especially important for social acceptance, as well as the existence of a warm mother (for women). The tendency to over-identification with the negative internal experience contributes to depressive symptoms in men, and the face of negative experiences as isolated and unique, the difficulty in being warm and kind with yourself and over-identification contribute to depression in women. Self-compassion and the existence of warm and supportive parental figures are protective factors of depressive symptoms in women.

Differences between Depression and Paranoia: The Role of Emotional Memories, Shame and Subordination

UNLABELLED The present study explores how emotional memories, shame and submissive behaviour in adulthood are differently related to depression and paranoia, in a sample of 255 subjects from the general community population. Results show that emotional memories (especially, shame traumatic memory) are significantly correlated with external and internal shame. Emotional memories are significantly associated with submissive behaviour. Both types of shame are correlated with submissive behaviour, particularly internal shame. Emotional memories, external and internal shame are linked to depressive symptoms. Emotional memories, external and internal shame, and submissive behaviour are significantly related to paranoia. Path analysis results suggested that (1) shame traumatic memory and recall of threat and submissiveness in childhood predicted depressive symptoms through external and internal shame; (2) early emotional memories of shame, threat and submissiveness predicted paranoid ideation both directly and indirectly, through external shame; and (3) emotional memories impact on paranoid ideation both through their effect upon external shame and also through their indirect effect upon submission, which in turn fully mediates the effect of internal shame upon paranoid ideation. These findings highlight the differences between depression and paranoia. In depression, it is the internalization of early experiences of shame, threat and submissiveness that heighten the vulnerability to depressive states. In paranoia, not only shame traumas and recollections of threat and submissiveness directly influence paranoid beliefs but also these memories promote external and internal shame thoughts and feelings and submissive defenses, which in turn increase paranoid ideation. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE Individuals with shame traumas, threat and submissiveness experiences in childhood and high levels of external and internal shame report more depressive symptoms. High levels of paranoid beliefs are associated with high negative emotional memories, external and internal shame thoughts and feelings, and submissive behaviour defenses. Therapy for depression needs to incorporate strategies that help individuals develop skills to deal with shame experiences and its outputs. Treatment for paranoid ideation must address external and internal shame, as well as emotional memories of shame, threat and submissiveness in childhood and development of assertive skills.

Recall of Threat and Submissiveness in Childhood and Psychopathology: The Mediator Effect of Self‐Criticism

UNLABELLED Research has robustly shown that early negative parenting experiences are associated with psychopathology and self-criticism in adulthood. This study investigates recall of personal feelings of perceived threat and subordination in childhood and its relation to psychopathology. In addition, we explore the mediator role of self-criticism in this association. A sample of 193 subjects from the general population completed self-report questionnaires measuring the study variables. The mediator analyses suggested that the impact of submissiveness experiences in childhood on depression and anxiety is mediated by self-criticism. Our findings highlight the route through which the recall of personal feelings of perceived involuntary subordination to parents contributes to depression and anxiety in adulthood. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE Although the relation between early experiences of abuse and later psychological problems is now well established, there has been less study on subtler forms of threat and subordinate behaviour in childhood. Given ours and previous findings, therapists should be aware of, and prone to explore, these early experiences. Most studies exploring early negative experiences mainly refer to attachment theory-related constructs (e.g., attachment style). We also highlight the importance of noting rank structure and rank style in the family. Self-criticism seems to be a key process in the relation between early aversive experiences of subordination and psychopathology. Given the idea that self-reassuring operates through a different affect system, helping people develop inner warmth and compassion for the self may be important to counteract feelings of self-hatred and self-attack.

Self-criticism: validation of the Portuguese version of the Forms of Self-criticizing/attacking and Self-reassuring Scale (FSCRS) and the Functions of Self-criticizing/attacking Scale (FSCS)

O auto-criticismo esta relacionado com a psicopatologia, quer como um factor de personalidade associado a uma vulnerabilidade especifica para a depressao (Blatt, 2004; Gilbert, 1998, 2002a), quer como um processo directamente associado a depressao e a outras formas de psicopatologia (Birchwood et al, 2001; Gilbert et al, 2001), quer ainda como um preditor do ajustamento interpessoal fraco e de problemas psicologicos. O presente trabalho apresenta as propriedades psicometricas e a estrutura factorial da versao portuguesa da Escala das Formas do Auto-criticismo e Auto-tranquilizacao e da Escala das Funcoes do Auto-criticismo e Auto-ataque. Os resultados obtidos mostram que as escalas possuem uma boa consistencia interna e estabilidade temporal. A composicao factorial revelou a existencia de duas subescalas (Auto-correccao e Auto-ataque) para a FSCS e tres subescalas (Eu Inadequado, Eu Tranquilizador e Eu Detestado) para a FSCRS. Estes instrumentos de auto-resposta mostram-se uteis e fidedignos para a avaliacao clinica e investigacao do auto-criticismo.

Contextual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies Across the Psychosis Continuum

Considering several etiologic, therapeutic, and comorbidity-related factors, a psychosis continuum model has been proposed for the understanding and treatment of psychotic disorders. Within the new emerging treatment approaches, Contextual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CCBT) seem to hold promise for the psychosis continuum. However, considering their novelty for this specific population, the quality of efficacy evidence remains unclear. Objective: To examine, critically analyze, and summarize the results from studies based on therapeutic models within the CCBT approach (Mindfulness and Acceptance-based interventions, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Metacognitive Therapy) for patients with a diagnosis within the psychosis continuum (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder). Methods: Three leading electronic databases (MEDLINE/PUBMED; PsycINFO; Cochrane Library), a grey literature database (OpenGrey), and registered clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.Gov) were searched using combinations of key terms regarding the CCBT models and the diagnosis considered. Reference lists of the relevant studies and reviews were searched. Only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included. The “Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool” was used for quality assessment. Results: A total of 17 articles were included. This review was based on a majority of unclear or low risk of bias studies. Benefits regarding clinical variables such as psychotic symptoms, anxiety and depression, functioning or quality of life were found. Conclusion: Overall the studies supported some benefits of CCBT approaches for the psychosis continuum. The conceptual perspective on treatment has changed, nevertheless the outcomes assessed are still symptom-focused and there is still need for improvement. Methodological considerations and future directions are presented.

Incorporating psychoeducation, mindfulness and self-compassion in a new programme for binge eating (BEfree): Exploring processes of change

This study explores the efficacy of BEfree, a 12-session group intervention that integrates psychoeducation, mindfulness, compassion and value-based action, in a sample of overweight and obese women with binge eating disorder (N = 31). We used repeated measures analyses of variance and explored processes of change in binge eating and eating psychopathology. At post-intervention, participants decreased in binge eating severity, eating psychopathology, external shame, self-criticism, psychological inflexibility, body image cognitive fusion and increased self-compassion and engagement with valued actions. These results were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. The changes in binge eating were mediated by the changes in the psychological processes promoted by BEfree.

Entrapment - conceito, definição e características psicométricas da versão portuguesa da Escala de Entrapment

The role of evolutionary strategies in psychopathology has been widely studied in recent years, particularly the mechanisms of fight and flight. Entrapment means the inhibition of escape strategy when it’s psychobiologically activated. Life contexts with characteristics of entrapment are linked to stress, anxiety, depression and suicide. This work presents the psychometric characteristics of the Entrapment Scale (ES) originally developed by Gilbert & Allan (1998). It consists of two scales: the Internal Entrapment Scale (IES) related to activation to escape, motivated by aversive emotional states and External Entrapment Scale (EES), when the desire to escape is stimulated by external events. The scale was evaluated in three samples: students (N = 608), general population (N = 406) and depressed patients (N = 106). The scale reproduces the results of their authors. It has demonstrated high internal consistency, with Cronbach α ranging between .85 and .93, one-dimensional structure for each scale and the extracted factors explain between 50.9% and 67.6% of total variance. Temporal stability was moderate to high (r = .66 to r = .92). Patients have significantly higher values on the IES and the EES than controls, supporting the construct validity. The moderate correlations (r = .50 to r = .64) between EE and the Beck Depression Inventory suggest a convergence between these instruments. Entrapment Scale has good psychometric characteristics, and must now broaden its application on studies of prospective nature in clinical settings.