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Validation of the Body Compassion Scale in multiple sclerosis
Erin G Mistretta1, Jennifer K Altman1, Lindsey M Knowles1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine.
Rehabilitation Psychology
|May 27, 2025
Summary
The Body Compassion Scale (BCS) shows a valid three-factor structure for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). This scale helps assess body compassion in chronic health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Body Compassion Scale (BCS) measures body acceptance, common humanity, and defusion.
- Previous validation was limited to healthy undergraduate samples.
- Psychometric properties in chronic health conditions remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the factor structure of the Body Compassion Scale (BCS).
- To assess the psychometric properties of the BCS in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- An online survey assessed body compassion, fatigue, pain, cognitive functioning, disability, depression, anxiety, and resilience.
- 677 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) participated.
- Data analysis focused on the factor structure of the BCS.
Main Results:
- A three-factor structure (defusion, common humanity, acceptance) best fit the data.
- All BCS subscores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency.
- Preliminary validity evidence for the BCS in the MS sample was found.
Conclusions:
- The BCS exhibits a valid three-factor structure in individuals with MS.
- Findings support the use of the BCS for assessing body compassion in people with MS.
- The BCS may be applicable to other rehabilitation populations.
