The Short Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scales for self, to others, and from others (S-SOCS-S; S-SOCS-O; S-SOCS-FO): Development and Validation of 10-item Forms

Abstract Objectives The current study aimed to develop and examine three brief, parallel short forms of the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scales for measuring compassion for self (S-SOCS-S), for others (S-SOCS-O), and from others (S-SOCS-FO). Method Items were selected using the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm, factor loadings, and theoretical evaluation of item content in a sample of 2009 Slovak helping professionals. We assessed convergent and divergent validity through scale correlations with anxiety, depression, self-criticism/reassurance and compassion fatigue/satisfaction measures. Results Three 10-item S-SOCS-S, S-SOCS-O, and S-SOCS-FO scales kept the original conceptual five-factor parallel structure (with two items per facet) and a general hierarchical compassion factor. They showed strong total-scale reliability (Cronbach's α > 0.80) and acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.915–0.970, RMSEA = 0.056–0.081, SRMR = 0.031–0.055). Convergent validity was supported by positive correlations with adaptive constructs (self-reassurance, compassion satisfaction) and negative correlations with maladaptive measures (self-criticism, burnout, compassion fatigue) in theoretically meaningful expected directions. Conclusions The S-SOCS-S, S-SOCS-O, and S-SOCS-FO scales are psychometrically sound and theoretically coherent: they retain the original scales' multifactorial compassion structure while efficiently measuring compassion for self, others, and from others. They offer a practical tool for research and clinical screening where rapid assessment of compassion is needed. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.