Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Mindful Self-Care Scale-Standard

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The Mindful Self-Care Scale-Standard (MSCS-Standard) is a 33-item self-report questionnaire that assesses mindfulness practices in six self-care domains: (1) physical care, (2) mindful relaxation, (3) supportive structure, (4) supportive relationships, (5) mindful awareness, and (6) self-compassion and purpose. The study aimed to validate the Polish version of the MSCS-Standard. Method The study was performed on a sample of 774 people (646 females, 122 males, and 6 non-binary) aged 18–76 (M = 28.49, SD = 10.81). The factor structure was verified with confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed based on the relationship between the MSCS-Standard scores and markers of alexithymia, anxiety, depression, stress, and somatic symptoms as well as life satisfaction. We examined discriminant validity by conducting a second-order exploratory factor analysis of MSCS-Standard subscales, alexithymia traits, anxiety, depression, stress, and somatic symptoms. Results Our results indicated a good factorial validity, conforming to the intended 6-factor structure (χ2/df = 1352.38/477; CFI = 0.912; RMSEA = 0.051 [90% CI: 0.048; 0.055]; SRMR = 0.064). As expected, all MSCS-Standard subscales correlated in expected directions with markers of alexithymia, anxiety, depression, stress, and somatic symptoms as well as with life satisfaction. The MSCS-Standard showed a good discriminant validity in terms of measuring mindfulness practices construct that was separable from people’s current levels of alexithymia, negative affect and somatic symptoms. Internal consistency reliability was also good. Conclusions Overall, the Polish version of the MSCS-Standard appears to have satisfactory psychometric properties. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.