Establishing Scoring Protocols and Interpretive Guidelines for the Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS)
Keywords:
Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS), scale development, psychometrics, coping, self-compassion, mindfulness, psychological assessmentAbstract
Objective: The Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS) is a newly developed instrument designed to measure the multifaceted behaviors individuals use to soothe themselves and manage distress [23]. For the SCCS to be a clinically and empirically useful tool, a standardized scoring protocol and empirically derived interpretive guidelines are required. This study aimed to establish these components by examining the scale's psychometric properties and developing a comprehensive framework for its use.
Method: A sample of 811 adults completed the SCCS along with a battery of established questionnaires measuring coping strategies [4], self-compassion [20], mindfulness [15], and psychological well-being [10]. The factorial validity of the SCCS was evaluated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent and discriminant validity were examined through correlations with validation measures. Normative data (percentiles and T-scores) were derived from the sample's score distribution.
Results: The CFA confirmed the proposed multi-factorial structure of the SCCS, demonstrating excellent model fit (CFI = .97, TLI = .96, RMSEA = .05). The total scale and all subscales showed high internal consistency (α ≥ .89). Correlational analyses provided strong support for the scale’s convergent and discriminant validity, with significant associations in the expected directions with related constructs. Based on these robust psychometric findings, a clear scoring procedure was finalized. Normative tables were generated, and detailed interpretive guidelines were created, defining low, average, and high score ranges with corresponding qualitative descriptions.
Conclusion: This study establishes the psychometric soundness of the SCCS and provides essential, user-friendly guidelines for its scoring and interpretation. These tools enhance the scale's utility, enabling researchers and clinicians to reliably assess self-comforting and coping mechanisms for applications in psychological assessment, treatment planning, and research.
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