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Global Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

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Theory and Psychometric Development of the Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS): A Novel Measure of Self-Comforting Behaviors

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/gjhss/Volume04Issue03-02
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Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu 1 ,
4 PhD, Faculty of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Abstract

The ability to cope with stress and adversity is crucial for psychological wellbeing. Self-comforting behaviours, which involve actions taken to soothe oneself during distress, are increasingly recognized as vital components of adaptive coping. However, systematic assessment of these behaviours remains underexplored. This study introduces the Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS), a novel tool designed to measure self-comforting behaviours across diverse populations. The SCCS was developed through a multi-stage process, including literature review, expert consultations, focus group feedback, and pretesting, resulting in a comprehensive 13-domain framework. Findings indicate that the SCCS exhibits robust psychometric properties, including evidence of content and face validity. These results highlight the scale’s potential as a valuable measure for assessing self-comforting behaviours and their role in resilience, mental health, and wellbeing. The SCCS addresses a critical gap in coping research, offering a holistic approach to understanding self-comforting behaviours and their contributions to adaptive coping strategies. Additionally, the constructs of the SCCS closely align with the Self-Comforting and Coping Theory (SCCT), ensuring that the scale accurately reflects the theoretical framework it is designed to test. Future research is encouraged to further validate the SCCS through longitudinal studies, cross-cultural comparisons, and investigations into its applications in clinical and organizational settings. This work provides a valuable foundation for advancing both theoretical insights and practical interventions in stress management and resilience-building, making the SCCS a significant contribution to the field of psychological assessment.

Keywords

Self-Comforting Behaviours, Coping, Resilience, Mental Health, Psychometric Scale

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How to Cite

Theory and Psychometric Development of the Self-Comforting and Coping Scale (SCCS): A Novel Measure of Self-Comforting Behaviors. (2025). Global Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(03), 6-22. https://doi.org/10.55640/gjhss/Volume04Issue03-02

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