Compassion Questionnaire for Self (CQS)

Previous self-compassion scales have typically focused on the outcomes of self-compassion, included mindfulness in their conceptualization and operationalization, and lacked a comprehensive operationalization of the affective, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal skills involved in cultivating self-compassion. The Compassion Questionnaire for Self (CQS) was developed by grounding self-compassion in affective, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal dimensions. This questionnaire was developed through consultations with experts and graduate students and validated through three studies. Results indicated the emergence of three independent dimensions, with the affective and cognitive dimensions converging. Furthermore, the scores on this questionnaire were found to be sensitive to mindfulness training and meditation experience. The CQS offers a novel approach to assessing self-compassion that is independent from mindfulness, with significant theoretical and practical implications. The items and scoring instructions of the CQS are presented.