The development and the factor analysis of the Sussex-Oxford Compassion from others scale in the Slovak population

Much of compassion research focuses on giving compassion to others and self-compassion, but compassion functions as an integrated flow, including receiving compassion from others. While these components are essential for well-being and life meaning, existing measurement tools do not comprehensively assess all three. The only available scale attempting to measure all three—Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales—has shown inconsistent factor structures. This study aimed to address this gap by developing the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scale from Others (SOCS-FO), analyzing its factor structure, reliability, and creating norms for its use. A sample of 3,304 helping professionals (Mean age = 41.55, SD = 11.41) participated, with an average of 14.54 years (SD = 11.03) of practice. We calculated 5-factor and bifactor confirmatory factor analyses. All 4 information criteria were substantially lower for bifactor which indicates that bifactor model is better fit. Factor loadings of the general factor are very high in comparison of subscales factors therefore we can safely use total score of SOCS-FO. Reliability coefficients (Omega and Omega hierarchical) were excellent, and essential unidimensionality was high. Percentile norms were also established, showing that helping professionals tend to report high levels of received compassion. The SOCS-FO provides a robust, psychometrically sound tool for assessing received compassion, making it useful for research, clinical settings, and professional development among helping professionals. Its application can enhance understanding of compassion’s role in well-being and guide interventions to foster openness to receiving compassion.