Compassion-based approaches: a systematic review of their effectiveness and acceptability in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Selin Mavituna,Eric Hahn,Inge Hahne,Niklas Bergmann,Marieke Pijnenborg,Thi Minh Tam Ta,Lana Tafelski,Kerem Böge

doi:10.1007/s12144-022-02908-3

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to provide an exhaustive summary of current research to explore the prospects of compassion-based approaches in treating persons with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). Thereby, studies investigating the relationship between clinical parameters and self-compassion in SSD, as well as the acceptability, feasibility, and effects of compassion-based approaches for individuals with SSD were considered. The review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and checklist. Eight studies were included for qualitative synthesis. The results indicate an important role of self-compassion for several clinical parameters, including negative associations to positive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognitive disorganization, and emotional distress. All studies reported good acceptability and feasibility. Regarding the clinical effectiveness of compassion-based approaches, a variety of clinical benefits, such as improvements of mood, affect regulation, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, cognitive disorganization, and variables relating to psychological recovery were found in individuals with SSD. It is concluded that compassion-based approaches are a promising form of intervention in the treatment of SSD. However, further research, especially randomized controlled trials, in this field is needed to understand the full potential of compassion-based approaches for individuals with SSD.

Highlights

While compassion is a construct from Buddhist thought, Western psychology has shown a recent surge of interest in compassion (Kirby et al, 2017) which stems from the relationship between self-compassion with well-being, optimism, and happiness (Barnard & Curry, 2011; Neff & Germer, 2013; Zessin et al, 2015)
The cross-sectional studies included in this review investigated the relationship between self-compassion in individuals with Spectrum Disorders (SSD) and a variety of clinical parameters
Consistent with findings of a meta-analysis demonstrating a negative relationship between self-compassion and psychopathology (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012), a negative relationship was found between self-compassion and measures of symptom severity in individuals with SSD (Eicher et al, 2013; Gumley & Macbeth, 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Self‐CompassionWhile compassion is a construct from Buddhist thought, Western psychology has shown a recent surge of interest in compassion (Kirby et al, 2017) which stems from the relationship between self-compassion with well-being, optimism, and happiness (Barnard & Curry, 2011; Neff & Germer, 2013; Zessin et al, 2015). The positive self-attitude has been operationalized along three dimensions: self-kindness, or being understanding towards oneself, as opposed to self-judgment, common humanity – or understanding one’s own experience in light of a common human experience – as opposed to isolation, and mindfulness as opposed to over-identification, which entails a state of mind in which thoughts and feelings are held in balanced awareness and are decentered from instead of over-identified with (Neff, 2003a, 2003b, 2016). These dimensions interact to create a self-compassionate frame of mind (Neff, 2016; Neff & Dahm, 2015). Enhancing self-compassion may be helpful to a wide array of individuals, including both clinical and non-clinical populations

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Discussion

Conclusion