Abstract
ObjectivesSelf-compassion has been proposed as a mechanism of change in mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs). The current study systematically reviewed the evidence for the effect of MBPs on self-compassion, in randomised controlled trials addressing broad mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety and stress) in nonclinical populations, and statistically synthesisesd these findings in a meta-analysis.MethodsThree databases were systematically searched, and pre-post programme between group effect sizes (Hedges g) were calculated and synthesised using meta-analytic procedures. Correlation between change in self-compassion and distress (r) was also assessed. Moderator analyses were conducted and publication bias was assessed.ResultsTwenty-six studies met inclusion criteria (n = 598). A significant medium effect of pre-post change on self-compassion was found for MBPs compared to control conditions (g = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.80, p < 0.001). There was significant heterogeneity in the study sample, and no differences found for any of the moderators tested. There was no strong evidence for publication bias. Meta-analysis of correlation between change in self-compassion and distress was underpowered and found no significant effect. The improvement in self-compassion following MBI was not always consistent with improvements in depression or anxiety.ConclusionsThe results suggest that MBPs can increase self-compassion in nonclinical populations, though the moderators of this effect remain unknown. Methodological limitations include small sample sizes, over-reliance on wait-list control conditions and limitations in how self-compassion is measured. Theoretical and clinical implications of the review, and future research directions, are also discussed.
Highlights
It is important to note that this study focused on anxiety rather than depression and could be a further reason for their findings
The current study aims to systematically review the effect of mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs) on self-compassion, in randomised controlled trial (RCT) addressing broad mental health outcomes in nonclinical populations, and to statistically synthesise these findings in a meta-analysis
The aim of the review was to examine the effect of MBPs on self-compassion in the nonclinical population, examine whether this effect varies if the MBP includes explicit compassion components and determine whether changes in self-compassion accompany changes in depression, anxiety and stress
Summary
Self-compassion has been proposed as a mechanism of change in mindfulness-based programmes (MBPs). The current study systematically reviewed the evidence for the effect of MBPs on self-compassion, in randomised controlled trials addressing broad mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety and stress) in nonclinical populations, and statistically synthesisesd these findings in a meta-analysis. Methods Three databases were systematically searched, and pre-post programme between group effect sizes (Hedges g) were calculated and synthesised using meta-analytic procedures. Correlation between change in self-compassion and distress (r) was assessed. Moderator analyses were conducted and publication bias was assessed. A significant medium effect of pre-post change on self-compassion was found for MBPs compared to control conditions (g = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.80, p < 0.001). Meta-analysis of correlation between change in self-compassion and distress was underpowered and found no significant effect. The improvement in self-compassion following MBI was not always consistent with improvements in depression or anxiety
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