Before you email us, your questions about self-compassion might be answered below! As a result of the tremendous global interest in self-compassion, Dr. Neff’s time is almost exclusively devoted to her research, workshops, teaching, and media outreach. As a result, she is not available for individual consultation or support regarding research or the practice of self-compassion. If you need personal support, you might try finding a local Mindful Self-Compassion teacher in your area. Otherwise, please read these questions about self-compassion we often receive.
Do I have permission to use Dr. Neff’s scale(s) for research?
Yes! Permissions and copies of the scales are available here: http://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-scales-for-researchers/. You will find copies of multiple forms of the self-compassion scale, including the full length (26 items), short form (12 items), state scale long and short forms (18 and 6 items), youth scale (17 items), and compassion for others scale.
Additionally, you will find empirical articles about each scale that explain the psychometric properties of the scale and its development.
To support your research, you might consider exploring this comprehensive list of published research articles on self-compassion here: http://self-compassion.org/the-research/. Articles are listed by category and author name.
I would like to translate one of Dr. Neff’s scales, do I have permission?
Yes! Please check the translations already available here: http://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-scales-for-researchers/ If you plan to translate and validate the scale for publication, please heed the recommendations to use bifactor ESEM in your analysis. Guidelines are outlined in this article. (Neff, Tóth-Király, et al., 2019).
Can I use the Self-Compassion Scale for clinical purposes?
Yes! You can administer the measure yourself or else individuals take the scale and get their score at: https://self-compassion.org/test-how-self-compassionate-you-are/
What are the cut-off scores or norms for the Self-Compassion Scale?
You can informally consider 1 – 2.49 as low, 2.5 – 3.49 as moderate, and 3.5 – 5.0 as high levels of self-compassion. There are no formal norms for the scale. Some researchers have used median splits when they have multiple groups in their sample to determine who is high or low in self-compassion in their research.
I am conducting research on self-compassion and I would like to know if I can talk to Dr. Neff about my ideas and get her feedback and advice.
Dr. Neff has limited availability and unfortunately, cannot provide research advice. However, her website has an abundance of resources that can support your current research.
You can find self-compassion measurement tools here: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-scales-for-researchers/
You can find self-compassion research here: https://self-compassion.org/the-research/
If you want to conduct research on the MSC program, we strongly recommend you find a trained (preferably certified) teacher to administer the program. You may find someone local to your area at the CMSC website: https://centerformsc.org/course-teachers-list/.
I would like to work with Dr. Neff as a student or collaborate on a research project.
Unfortunately, Dr. Neff is not taking on new students and cannot collaborate on research projects at this time.
I want to try out self-compassion.
There are free guided meditations and exercises on this website: https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/# and on the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion website: https://centerformsc.org/practice-msc/guided-meditations-and-exercises/
There are also self-compassion practices in all of Dr. Neff’s books.
I want to take an MSC program or train in self-compassion.
You can take MSC and other self-compassion trainings online at the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion website: www.CenterforMSC.org
You can also go through the MSC program at home by purchasing the Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook.
I want to become an MSC teacher.
Wonderful! We appreciate your interest and enthusiasm for spreading self-compassion to your community. To learn more about the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher-training requirements please review the guidelines and eligibility requirements here: https://centerformsc.org/teach-msc-latest/ To begin your process, look for upcoming MSC courses here: https://centerformsc.org/course-teachers-list/
I want to work with Kristin Neff one on one.
Unfortunately, Kristin does not work with people one-on-one as she is not licensed as a life coach, counselor or therapist.
I want Dr. Neff's advice about how to use self-compassion to work with a life challenge.
Although she hopes you can bring self-compassion to the current challenge you are facing, Dr. Neff cannot give personal advice. However, we suggest finding a therapist or coach who is familiar with self-compassion and may be able to help. We will soon have a list of MSC trained therapists and coaches at the Center for MSC (stay tuned).
I want to use self-compassion in my professional life.
Excellent! We hope you explore the path to becoming a trained Mindful Self-Compassion teacher: https://centerformsc.org/teach-msc-latest/
We also have a program for psychotherapists who want to integrate self-compassion into their therapeutic approach: https://scipprogram.com
If you are not a trained teacher and want to use MSC materials in your work, please review this outline of the permitted use of MSC content:
https://centerformsc.org/guidelines-for-permissions-and-approval-of-adaptations/
Also see this information about use of the name MSC:
https://centerformsc.org/representing-mindful-self-compassion-and-msc/
Finally, you may consider getting the book Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals
I have questions about registration, CEUs, or other logistics for an upcoming talk/workshop.
Inquiries related to talks, workshops, or MSC programs should be directed to the organizers of the event.
Did your question not get answered?
Please feel free to reach out to info@self-compassion.org
Thank you for your questions about self-compassion!
If you have more questions about self-compassion not answered here, please feel free to email us. Thanks!