Self-criticism is not a simple phenomenon: new evidence of the existence of different forms of self-criticism in a Spanish sample

Abstract

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Even though self-criticism is a well-known transdiagnostic process, there is no consensus about its different forms and functions in nonclinical populations when measured with the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) and the Functions of Self-Criticism/Attacking Scale (FSCS). Although these scales are widely used and translated into multiple languages, there is no Spanish version of the instruments. To study the appropriateness of differentiating these forms of self-criticism, we conducted a Confirmatory Factor Analysis on the Spanish version of the FSCRS with 242 participants, comparing the one-factor, two-factor, three-factor, two-tier, and bifactor models. The 3-factor model presented the best fit in a nonclinical population. The FSCS was also explored, and the two-factor solution was confirmed. The relationship between different functions and forms of self-criticism and the capacity of self-reassuring was explored through mediation and moderation analysis to provide external validation of the scales. Mediation analysis revealed the extensive and pervasive influence of the Self-Persecution function on depression through all forms of self-criticism. Moderation analysis showed that whereas the influence of the Inadequate-Self form on depressive symptomatology was buffered by compassionate self-treatment, the effect of the Hated-Self was not moderated by self-reassure or self-compassion. This study suggests that self-criticism may have different functions with different effects on depressive symptoms. We propose that individuals cope indirectly with self-criticism through self-compassion, which, in turn, would reduce the impact on depression.