The Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS)

Abstract

The Forms of Self-Criticising / Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) is a 22-item psychological scale developed to comprehensively measure how individuals respond to personal failings or setbacks. The scale is designed to capture two distinct modes of self-criticism—the sense of personal failure and the desire to punish the self—alongside the capacity to be supportive and forgiving, known as the ability to self-reassure. Developed by Gilbert and colleagues (2004), the FSCRS is instrumental in research focusing on shame, self-compassion, and affective regulation, particularly within the context of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).

Respondents rate statements based on a 5-point Likert scale, indicating how true each statement is for them when things go wrong. The resulting scores are divided into three core subscales: Inadequate Self, Hated Self, and Reassured Self, providing a nuanced understanding of an individual’s internal emotional landscape during moments of perceived failure.

Keywords

Self-Criticism, Self-Reassurance, Inadequate Self, Hated Self, Psychological Assessment, Compassion Focused Therapy, Self-to-self relationship, Affective regulation, Shame.

Authors

Paul Gilbert, M. Clark, S. Hempel, J.N.V. Miles, C. Irons.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the FSCRS is to assess the specific ways individuals engage in self-criticism and self-attack, contrasting these destructive internal processes with the capacity for self-support and reassurance. This differentiation is crucial for clinical and research settings, as it allows practitioners to identify whether a person’s self-criticism stems primarily from feelings of inadequacy or from active self-hostility and self-disgust.

By quantifying these distinct forms of internal relating, the FSCRS facilitates a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms underpinning various mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which are often maintained by harsh self-judgment.

Construct

The FSCRS measures the psychological construct of self-to-self relational styles, specifically focusing on the internal regulatory systems activated in response to distress or failure. It posits that self-criticalness is not monolithic but comprises two separate dimensions, alongside a third dimension representing supportive self-engagement.

• Inadequate Self (IS): This factor focuses on feelings of personal deficiency, inferiority, and failure to meet standards. Items measure disappointment with oneself and a pervasive sense of not being good enough.
• Hated Self (HS): This factor measures active self-hostility, self-persecution, and self-disgust, often involving anger directed internally and a desire to harm or reject parts of the self.
• Reassured Self (RS): This factor captures the capacity for self-kindness, forgiveness, and supportive self-talk, reflecting an individual’s ability to offer comfort and encouragement to themselves during difficult times.

Validity

While the source content does not provide extensive detail on construct validity (e.g., convergent and discriminant analysis), the theoretical foundation of the FSCRS is rooted in evolutionary and affective science, particularly the models underlying Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). The scale’s differentiation between two forms of self-criticism (IS and HS) and the ability to self-reassure supports the theoretical notion that these are separable, yet interacting, motivational systems.

Reliability

The FSCRS demonstrates strong internal consistency, suggesting that the items within each subscale are measuring a coherent underlying construct. The reliability statistics, reported via Cronbach alphas in the initial validation study (Gilbert et al., 2004), are highly satisfactory for a psychological measure.

• Inadequate Self (IS): Cronbach alpha = 0.90.
• Hated Self (HS): Cronbach alpha = 0.86.
• Reassured Self (RS): Cronbach alpha = 0.86.

Factor Analysis

The structure of the FSCRS is supported by a three-factor model identified through factor analysis during its development. This analysis confirmed the presence of the three distinct, yet related, subscales: Inadequate Self (IS), Hated Self (HS), and Reassured Self (RS). This factor structure allows researchers and clinicians to assess the nuances of self-criticism, moving beyond a single, global score of self-judgment.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report questionnaire / Psychological measure

Format: 22 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale.

Language Available: English (original version), with translations likely available through subsequent research applications.

Population Group: Clinical and Non-Clinical populations.

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults (originally validated on female students).

Population Details: The initial study focused on female students, exploring forms, styles, and reasons for self-criticism. Subsequent use has broadened across various adult populations.

Test Methodology: Respondents are instructed to read each statement and rate how much it is true for them when things go wrong, using the following scale:

1. Not at all like me (0)
2. A little bit like me (1)
3. Moderately like me (2)
4. Quite a bit like me (3)
5. Extremely like me (4)

Keywords

Self-compassion, Self-judgment, Psychological scale, Internalized criticism, Shame, Affective states, Self-identity, Mental health assessment.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A (Information not provided in source.)

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A (Information not provided in source. Contact may be directed via the Compassionate Mind Foundation.)

Correspondence Address: N/A (Information not provided in source. Primary author Paul Gilbert is associated with the Centre for Compassion Research and Training, University of Derby.)

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

Test Year: 2004

Copyright Holder: © Gilbert et al, 2004

Permissions/Usage: The scale is generally available for non-commercial research and clinical use. Further information on use and related measures can often be found through the Compassionate Mind Foundation: http://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/

Reference’s

Gilbert, P., Clark, M., Hempel, S., Miles, J.N.V. & Irons, C. (2004) Criticising and reassuring oneself: An exploration of forms, styles and reasons in female students. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 43, 31-50.

Items of the THE FORMS OF SELF-CRITICISING /ATTAKING & SELF-REASSURING SCALE (FSCRS)

When things go wrong for me:

• 1. I am easily disappointed with myself. (IS)
• 2. There is a part of me that puts me down. (IS)
• 3. I am able to remind myself of positive things about myself. (RS)
• 4. I find it difficult to control my anger and frustration at myself. (IS)
• 5. I find it easy to forgive myself. (RS)
• 6. There is a part of me that feels I am not good enough. (IS)
• 7. I feel beaten down by my own self-critical thoughts. (IS)
• 8. I still like being me. (RS)
• 9. I have become so angry with myself that I want to hurt or injure myself. (HS)
• 10. I have a sense of disgust with myself. (HS)
• 11. I can still feel lovable and acceptable. (RS)
• 12. I stop caring about myself. (HS)
• 13. I find it easy to like myself. (RS)
• 14. I remember and dwell on my failings. (IS)
• 15. I call myself names. (HS)
• 16. I am gentle and supportive with myself. (RS)
• 17. I can’t accept failures and setbacks without feeling inadequate. (IS)
• 18. I think I deserve my self-criticism. (IS)
• 19. I am able to care and look after myself. (RS)
• 20. There is a part of me that wants to get rid of the bits I don’t like. (IS)
• 21. I encourage myself for the future. (RS)
• 22. I do not like being me. (HS)

KEY FOR SUBSCALES:

• IS = Inadequate Self
• RS = Reassure Self
• HS = Hated Self