Abstract

This study aims to develop a scale for forms of self-criticism for adults. Its reliability and validity were then confirmed. The preliminary study consisted of a scale which extracted items from previous interview data where university students with high levels of self-criticism participated. For face validity, we consulted experts to formulate items of the Form of Self-Criticism Scale (FSCS) and conducted a survey with 369 university students using FSCS and FSCS-related psychological scales. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESFM) analysis indicated that FSCS demonstrated the best model fit when it consisted of 26 items with three factors—Blame, Monitoring, and Comparing. Blame consisted of items that could measure forms of self-criticism when one considered oneself insufficient. Monitoring included items for evaluating ways that one pushes oneself to reach their internal standard. Lastly, items for assessing the tendency of one’s self-stress and pressure due to their comparisons with others were found. As a result of verification for the reliability and validity of the FSCS, construct and concurrent reliability, and test-retest validity demonstrated that the study’s results were acceptable. Finally, we conclude by discussing the significance and limitations of this research and suggest possible future studies.