Fear of Compassion Scale Test

In about 6 minutes, see where you resist compassion toward yourself, from others, or for others. Use 31 items to spot barriers to support and guide focused growth in therapy or relationships.

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Questions: 316 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

22,648 views

2,143 completions

1,784 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

3/5

Fear of Compassion for Others (FoCfO)

Measures discomfort or resistance when expressing compassion, care, or support toward other people.

Low discomfort

Moderate discomfort

High discomfort

1 – 1.6: Low discomfort | 1.7 – 3.7: Moderate discomfort | 3.8 – 5: High discomfort

A score of 3 falls in the Moderate discomfort range, suggesting you may sometimes hesitate or feel uneasy about offering help or emotional support to others.

example score

3/5

Fear of Compassion From Others (FoCFO)

Measures how uneasy or resistant a person feels when receiving compassion, care, or support from others.

Comfortable receiving support

Some discomfort

Strong discomfort

1 – 1.6: Comfortable receiving support | 1.7 – 3.7: Some discomfort | 3.8 – 5: Strong discomfort

A score of 3 falls in the “Some discomfort” range, suggesting occasional unease or hesitation when others offer kindness or help.

example score

3/5

Fear of Self-Compassion (FoSC)

Measures how much fear or discomfort a person feels when offering themselves kindness, understanding, and support.

Low resistance

Moderate resistance

High resistance

1 – 1.6: Low resistance | 1.6 – 3.9: Moderate resistance | 3.9 – 5: High resistance

A score of 3 suggests a moderate level of discomfort with self-compassion, indicating that being kind to yourself may feel somewhat challenging at times.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Harsh Self-Critics

41%OF USERS

People who often judge themselves harshly and struggle to be gentle or forgiving toward their own mistakes.

Support-Avoiders

34%OF USERS

People who feel uncomfortable receiving care, help, or praise and tend to push others away when they offer support.

Caring but Emotionally Guarded

25%OF USERS

People who want to be kind and empathetic but feel blocked, numb, or anxious when showing warmth toward others.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

Scale Results
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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Fear of Compassion for Others (FoCfO)

Average

2.9

Normal range

2.2 — 3.6

min.

max.

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Fear of Others' Compassion (FoOC)

Average

Normal range

1.5 — 2.5

min.

max.

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

Fear of self-compassion (Fos)

Average

3.8

Normal range

3.1 — 4.4

min.

max.

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire measure?

It measures resistance to compassion in three areas: self-kindness, compassion toward others, and comfort with receiving compassion. It identifies patterns that may contribute to self-criticism, emotional distress, or relationship strain.

What is meant by “fear” in this context?

It refers to internal discomfort or avoidance, not a specific phobia. This may include mistrust of supportive intentions, anxiety about vulnerability, or beliefs that compassion is unsafe or undeserved.

How should items be answered?

Answer based on typical reactions rather than unusual situations. Use the full response scale and select the option that best matches the usual level of agreement.

How long does it take and how many items are included?

It includes 31 items and usually takes about 6 minutes to complete. Most respondents can finish without breaks.

How are results interpreted?

Scores are provided for each of the three areas to show where resistance to compassion is strongest. Higher scores indicate greater difficulty with compassion in that area and may guide clinical or research discussion.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Fear of Compassion Scale Test - Symptoms and Signs

cbt self-acceptance self-compassion

This self-report measure evaluates individual differences in discomfort or resistance related to compassionate responding. The Fear of Compassion Scale is designed to assess perceived barriers to compassion directed toward the self, compassion expressed toward others, and openness to receiving compassion from others.

The instrument consists of 31 items and typically takes about 6 minutes to complete. Items ask respondents to rate thoughts and emotional reactions that may interfere with self-kindness, accepting support, or offering care to other people. Developed by Paul Gilbert, the Fear of Compassion Scale can be used in clinical or research contexts to help characterize compassion-related avoidance that may be relevant to self-criticism, interpersonal functioning, and treatment planning.

Author: Paul Gilbert

Literature: Neff, K. D. Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity. 2003.; Gilbert, P., McEwan, K., Matos, M., & Rivis, A. Fears of compassion: Development of three self-report measures. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. 2011.

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