Objective: The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) which originally developed by Neff (2003a) is based on the assumption that the self-compassion comprised by self-kindness/self-judgment, common humanity/perceived isolation, and mindfulness/over-identification. This research was aimed to confirm the six-factor structure of SCS.

Methods: 265 university students entered the research to assess the psychometric properties of SCS. The participants were asked to complete SCS, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Ruminative Response Scale and demographic questionnaires. Using Amos-21 and SPSS-21, descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were calculated.

Results: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for total SCS items, self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity, perceived isolation, mindfulness and over-identification subscale were 0.78, 0.79, 0.79, 0.93, 0.90, 0.88 and 0.88 respectively. Results of CFA supported the sixfactor structure SCS [RMSEA=0.08 (0.078-0.092), NFI=0.86 and CFI=0.90]. The SCS showed a significant positive correlation with RSS (r=0.261, P<0.05) and a significant negative correlation with RRS (r=-0.363, P<0.05), BDI–II (r=-0.177, P<0.05) and STAI (r=-0.361, P<0.05).

Conclusion: The six-factor structure of SCS demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in Tehran universities students.

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Lazarus Multimodal Psychotherapy (MMT) on perceived stress in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Through a quasi-experimental design, forty patients in Qazvin city in Iran were selected by convenient sampling and then divided into two groups: experimental and control groups. After group assignment, Cohen’s perceived stress questionnaire and clinical interview based on DSM-IV were administered. Among 20 patients in experimental group, 16 patients completed the treatment. MMT was implemented in twelve 90- minute sessions in a period of 3 months. All subjects completed perceived stress questionnaire before (pretest) and after 3 and a 1 month follow-up periods.

Results: Results of Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) showed that MMT had a significant effect on perceived stress. Results of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) showed that MMT could significantly decrease negative perception and increase positive perception scores. The results of negative perceived stress had remained low in experimental group in follow-up period, but two groups did not differ in positive perceived stress in followup assessment.

Conclusion: Lazarus Multimodal Psychotherapy may be effective in increasing positive perceived stress and can decrease negative perceived stress in patients with MS.