The Differential Effects Fallacy in the Study of Self-compassion: Misunderstanding the Nature of Bipolar Continuums

This brief commentary highlights the faulty reasoning underlying claims that selfcompassion should not be conceptualized or measured as a unitary construct because compassionate self-responding (CS) and uncompassionate (UCS) are differential predictors of psychological outcomes. The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is well-validated measure has been used in thousands studies on selfcompassion.Self-compassion forms bipolar continuum ranging from UCS (selfjudgment, isolation, over-identification) to CS (self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness), so higher SCS scores represent increased reduced UCS. Several scholars have argued display different strengths association with various outcomes, examined separately total score invalid. conclusion assumed self-evident. However, there no known logical, scientific psychometric principle supports view opposite ends must same strength outcomes order operate construct. In fact, it for (e.g., coldness stronger predictor frostbite than warmth).Unfortunately, this unexamined assumption spread widely field research, setting back muddying waters researchers.This sheds light false premise hope clearing up confusion.