The Development and Validation of the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS): an Assessment of Practices that Support Positive Embodiment

This study details the development and validation of a measure of mindful self-care, the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS). Based on theory and emerging empirical work, the MSCS items were developed to align with a set of actionable practices that promote positive embodiment and well-being. The extant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mindfulness 2018-02, Vol.9 (1), p.161-175
Main Authors: Cook-Cottone, Catherine P., Guyker, Wendy M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Body image
Burnout
Child and School Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Dental care
Eating behavior
Embodiment
Emotional regulation
Exercise
Hydration
Mindfulness
Nutrition
Original Paper
Pediatrics
Physical fitness
Physiology
Psychology
Public Health
Self awareness
Self compassion
Self image
Social Sciences
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Summary:This study details the development and validation of a measure of mindful self-care, the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS). Based on theory and emerging empirical work, the MSCS items were developed to align with a set of actionable practices that promote positive embodiment and well-being. The extant literature on self-care was reviewed and a set of items developed. Following expert review, the retained items were factor analyzed ( N  = 448, aged 18–71, 79.7% female, 90.0% Caucasian) resulting in six factors: physical care, supportive relationships, mindful awareness, self-compassion and purpose, mindful relaxation, and supportive structure. Overall, the MSCS was significantly and positively correlated with body esteem and negatively correlated with eating disorder risk. Confirmatory factor analyses were applied to a second independent sample ( N  = 452, aged 18–78, 69.7% female, 70.8% Caucasian) providing cross-validation of the six-dimensional structure of the MSCS. Internal consistency was upheld for the total scale and subscales. Findings and implications for future research follow along with a review of the limitations of this study.
ISSN:1868-8527
1868-8535
DOI:10.1007/s12671-017-0759-1