Levels of Self-Criticism Scale (LOSC)
Comparative Self-Criticism & Internalized Self-Criticism
How hard are you on yourself? Based on Thompson & Zuroff (2004), this scale measures two forms of self-criticism: the kind that comes from comparing yourself to others, and the kind driven by an inner voice saying you fall short of your own standards. 22 items, ~5 minutes.
What Is the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale?
Self-criticism is not just "being hard on yourself." Thompson and Zuroff (2004) identified two distinct flavors — one rooted in comparing yourself to others, the other driven by an inner voice that says you never quite measure up to your own standards.
This 22-item scale measures both.
Two dimensions
- Comparative Self-Criticism: the sense that others are better, more capable, more respected — and that you fall short in comparison.
- Internalized Self-Criticism: the chronic feeling of failing to meet your own goals, even when no one else is watching.
What the research says
The LOSC has been used in studies on depression, perfectionism, and attachment. Higher scores — especially on the internalized dimension — are linked to greater psychological distress and lower self-esteem. It's a pattern that responds well to self-compassion work and CBT.
Scoring Guide
Each dimension is scored as the mean of its items (1-7). Items 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 18 are reverse-scored.Result Interpretation
After completing the 22 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Dimension breakdown — separate scores for each sub-scale
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.