Study tools

The survey included demographic data, the Self-Compassion Scale short form, the Compassion Scale, and the Toronto Mindfulness Scale. The Self-Compassion Scale (26-item scale 5 point Likert scale; validated in 20 diverse samples N = 11,685 by Neff et al.) measures one’s ability for self-compassion [10]. The Compassion Scale (16-item 5-point Likert scale; validated in 20 diverse samples N = 11,685 by Neff et al.) entails the understanding of concepts and evaluates one’s ability to act with kindness, social connectedness, common humanity and mindfulness [11]. The Toronto Mindfulness Scale (13-item scale 5 point Likert scale; validated in one diverse sample N = 390 by Lau et al.) includes both the Curiosity subscale, which describes the ability to reflect with inquisitiveness, and the Decentering subscale, which focuses on the ability to be aware of one’s experience and distance one’s own emotions from it [12].

These scales were chosen as they are validated scales that consist of sub-scales that can examine separate components of self-compassion, compassion and mindfulness. The scales are theoretically coherent and allow brevity and flexibility of use in a classroom setting. The brief structure of the scales also allows for higher compliance and completion rates for the survey itself.