Scoring System and Interpretation Guidelines for The Self-Comforting Attitude Scale (SCAS)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37547/fsth/Volume02Issue09-02Keywords:
Self-Comforting Attitudes, SCAS, SCAT, SCCF, Psychometric Scoring, Attitudinal Evaluation, Behavioural Health, Emotional Regulation, Mental Health AssessmentAbstract
This paper presents a comprehensive scoring framework for the Self-Comforting Attitude Scale (SCAS), a theory-led and psychometrically robust tool designed to assess how individuals think and feel about self-comforting behaviours. Grounded in the Self-Comforting Attitude Theory (SCAT), the SCAS moves beyond simply identifying whether people engage in coping behaviours—it captures the evaluative, cognitive, and emotional attitudes individuals hold toward practices such as mindfulness, self-talk, cognitive reframing, and reflective journalling. These attitudinal dimensions are increasingly recognised as powerful predictors of behavioural uptake and emotional well-being. While previous work has outlined the conceptual model and structural validation of the SCAS, this paper takes the next crucial step: operationalising its use through a detailed and standardised scoring protocol. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and the scoring system allows for both domain-specific and overall composite scores. To aid interpretability across diverse research and clinical populations, raw scores are converted to a standardised 0–100 scale using a linear transformation method. The scoring framework incorporates clear guidance for managing missing data. In line with psychometric best practices, domain-level and total scores are only calculated when at least 80% of items have been completed—an approach that balances data quality with participant inclusion. Interpretive bands are provided to help users understand what low, moderate, or high scores might indicate in practice. Ultimately, this scoring system enhances the practical value of the SCAS, enabling its application in a range of contexts—from academic research to therapeutic assessment and educational programming. It helps researchers, clinicians, and educators better understand individuals’ openness to self-care and adaptive emotional regulation, making it a timely contribution to the broader field of mental health and resilience science.References
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