A Deep Dive Into Compassion: Italian Validation, Network Analysis, and Correlates of Recent Compassion Scales
Abstract
The present multi-sample study ( N = 723) explores in depth the construct of dispositional compassion and its assessment, relying on two recent multidimensional scales: the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scale – toward Others (SOCS-O; Gu et al., 2020 ) and the Compassion Scale (CS; Pommier et al., 2020 ). First, we validated the two scales in Italian, finding substantial support for their original factor structures and second-order solutions aggregating first-order factors into a general dispositional compassion factor. Second, we tested the simultaneous links between SOCS-O and CS facets via network analysis to identify which facets stand at the core of dispositional compassion or are more distal. Kindness (CS) and Feeling (SOCS-O) facets were more central components of compassion, leaning on the ability to tune in to (CS Mindfulness) and understand others’ pain (SOCS-O Universality) and connected to the urge to alleviate that pain (SOCS-O Acting). Third, we explored the nomological net of correlates of dispositional compassion and examined the differences between the SOCS-O and the CS in their relationship with the correlates. Results supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the scales and showed that the SOCS-O, compared to the CS, may capture some emotionally aversive sides of compassion.
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An Italian translation of the Compassion Scale has been validated, which also supports the proposed factor structure for the English version.
“An Italian translation of the CS has been validated [112], which also supports the proposed factor structure for the English version.”
From Validation of the compassionate engagement and action scales, compassion scale, and Sussex-Oxford compassion scales in a French-Canadian sample (2024) · cites this paper as [112]
Findings support the five-factor hierarchical structure for Korean, Italian, and Swedish translations.
“Findings support the five-factor hierarchical structure for Korean [114], Italian [112], and Swedish [115] translations.”
From Validation of the compassionate engagement and action scales, compassion scale, and Sussex-Oxford compassion scales in a French-Canadian sample (2024) · cites this paper as [112]
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- Authors
- Lucarini, A., Fuochi, G., & Voci, A.
- Affiliations
- University of Padua (IT)
- Venue
- European Journal of Psychological Assessment
- Publisher
- Hogrefe Publishing Group
- Published
- 2023-09
- Volume
- 39
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 371-384
- ISSN
- 1015-5759 (ISSN-L)
- 2151-2426
- OpenAlex
- W4293061155
- Cited by
- 23
- References
- 12
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 4.10
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- European Journal of Psychological Assessment (publishedVersion)
- Padua Research Archive (University of Padova) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
- Keywords
- Compassion Scale, Italian translation, scale validation, factor structure, second-order factor structure, network analysis, kindness, feelings, mindfulness, universality, acting, nomological network, convergent and discriminant validity
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