The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Programmes on Self-Compassion in Nonclinical Populations: a Systematic Review and Meta-A
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REVIEW
The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Programmes on Self-Compassion in Nonclinical Populations: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Hannah L. Golden 1 & Jane Vosper 1 & Jessica Kingston 1 & Lyn Ellett 1 Accepted: 8 September 2020 # The Author(s) 2020
Abstract Objectives 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 also assessed. Moderator analyses were conducted and publication bias was assessed. Results Twenty-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. Conclusions The 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. Keywords Compassion . Anxiety . Depression . Stress . RCT . Meta-analysis
Self-compassion has been shown to correlate negatively with depression, anxiety and stress in both clinical (e.g. Costa and Pinto-gouveia 2011; Van Dam et al. 2011) and nonclinical (e.g. Gilbert et al. 2011; Körner et al. 2015; Roemer et al. 2009) populations. Whilst there is ongoing debate around the definition of self-compassion (Gilbert 2009; Neff 2003a, b; Strauss et al. 2016), one self-report measure (the Self-Compassion Scale, Neff 2003b) has been predominantly used to measure this construct across a large number of studies.
* Lyn Ellett [email protected] 1
Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
One meta-analysis (MacBeth and Gumley 2012) found a large overall effect size (r = − 0.54) for the relationship between psychopathology and self-compassion in both clinical and nonclinical studies. However, many of the studies included in the review were predominantly cross secti
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