Self-Compassion and Coping: a Meta-Analysis

Ewert, Christina; Vater, Annika; Schröder-Abé, Michela

doi:10.1007/s12671-020-01563-8

Cited by 272Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsStudent Stress and CopingStress and Burnout Research

Self-Compassion and Coping: a Meta-Analysis

Ewert, Christina, Vater, Annika, Schröder-Abé, Michela·2021·Mindfulness

DOI 10.1007/s12671-020-01563-8

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The psychological benefits of self-compassion can be explained by the strategies that people use to regulate their emotions and cope with stress.
“First, it has been posited that the psychological benefits of self‐compassion can be explained by the strategies that people use to regulate their emotions and cope with stress (Ewert et al. 2021).”
From The Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Psychological Outcomes in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review. (2025) · cites this paper as Ewert et al. 2021
Self-compassion is positively correlated with adaptive coping and negatively correlated with maladaptive, emotion-focused coping.
“A more recent meta‐analytical review on the relationship between self‐compassion and coping, across 136 studies involving 38,913 participants, also demonstrated positive correlations between self‐compassion and adaptive coping, and negative correlations with maladaptive, emotion‐focused coping (Ewert et al. 2021).”
From The Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Psychological Outcomes in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review. (2025) · cites this paper as Ewert et al. 2021
Self-compassion is recognized as a positive resource fostering adaptive outcomes such as resilience, life satisfaction, happiness, and overall well-being.
“Beyond its role as an antidote to distress, self‐compassion is recognized as a positive resource fostering adaptive outcomes such as resilience, life satisfaction, happiness, and overall well‐being (Ewert et al. 2021; Zessin et al. 2015).”
From The Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Psychological Outcomes in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review. (2025) · cites this paper as Ewert et al. 2021
Not all coping strategies studied are equally likely to relate to self-compassion.
“One possible explanation for this is that not all coping strategies that were studied are equally likely to relate to self‐compassion (Ewert et al. 2021).”
From The Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Psychological Outcomes in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review. (2025) · cites this paper as Ewert et al. 2021

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Development of the Japanese Version of the State Self-Compassion Scale (SSCS-J)
Miyagawa, Y., Tóth‐Király, I., Knox, M. C., Taniguchi, J., & Niiya, Y. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.779318 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
The mediating effect of coping styles between self-compassion and body image disturbance in young breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study
Zhu, F., Liu, C., Zhang, W., Qiang, W.-M., Yin, X., & Lu, Q. (2023) · BMC Nursing · doi:10.1186/s12912-023-01342-5 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Stress Perception and Coping as Mediators of the Link Between Self-Compassion and Affective Well-being? Evidence From Two Longitudinal Studies
Ewert, C., Buechner, A., & Schröder-Abé, M. (2024) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02295-1 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“…such as worry and rumination that have emerged from different theoretical backgrounds showed a strong connection with SC (for a review see, Ewert et al., 2021), and were already found to be consistent mediators between SC and affect in past research (e.g., Fresnics & Borders, 2016; Raes,…”
InfluentialSelf-citation
Gender differences in the relationship between medical students’ emotional intelligence and stress coping: a cross-sectional study
Zhang, N., Ren, X., Xu, Z., & Zhang, K. (2024) · BMC Medical Education · doi:10.1186/s12909-024-05781-9 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“Individuals try to alleviate stress by reducing stressors, regulating negative emotions, and re-establishing their inner balance; in other words, they engage in coping [25].”
Background
Compassion as a transdiagnostic target to reduce mental health symptoms and promote well-being
Kirby, J. N. (2025) · Nature Reviews Psychology · doi:10.1038/s44159-025-00422-4 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
“…based on the Self-Compassion Scale 82 (the scale most widely used to measure self-compassion) found self-compassion to be positively associated with improved well-being 61 , better health behaviour 83,84 , improved self-efficacy in the face of failures 85 and better adaptive coping skills 86 .”
The relationship between self-compassion, coping style, sleep quality, and depression among college students
Wang, Y., Fu, T., Wang, J., Chen, S.-F., & Sun, G.-X. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1378181 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“Self-compassion was considered a positive psychological variable that promotes a positive coping style (Ewert et al., 2021).”
Background
Coming to terms with climate change: a glossary for climate change impacts on mental health and well-being
Niedzwiedz, C. L., Olsen, J. R., Rizeq, J., Afework, T., Hill-Harding, C. K. V., Shaw, R. J., Thomas, R., Kariuki, S. M., Katikireddi, S. V., Weaver, A. J., et al. (2024) · Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health · doi:10.1136/jech-2024-222716 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Chinese College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study
Chi, X., Huang, L.-Y., Hall, D. L., Li, R., Liang, K., Hossain, M. M., & Guo, T.-Y. (2021) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.759379 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Stress Processing Mediates the Link Between Momentary Self-compassion and Affective Well-being
Ewert, C., Hoffmann, C. F. A., & Schröder-Abé, M. (2022) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-022-01954-z · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Self-citation
Self-compassion in individuals with substance use disorder: the association with personal growth and well-being
Shreffler, J. R., Thomas, J. J., McGee, S., Ferguson, B., Kelley, J. W., Cales, R., Cales, S. C., & Huecker, M. R. (2021) · Journal of Addictive Diseases · doi:10.1080/10550887.2021.2005382 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
The Effects of Self-Criticism and Self-Compassion on Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Gao, Y., Liu, X., Liu, J., & Wang, H. (2023) · Psychology Research and Behavior Management · doi:10.2147/prbm.s417258 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“Additionally, self-compassion is negatively associated with maladaptive emotion regulation strategies related to depression and NSSI, such as experiential avoidance and rumination, in stress coping processes.(26,28,29) Self-compassion is more than an absence of self-criticism.”
Background
Self-Compassion Across Cultures
Arimitsu, K. (2023) · Mindfulness in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22348-8_8 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Self-Compassion Correlates of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Youth: A Comparison of Two Self-Compassion Measures
Muris, P., Bongers, K., Schenning, C., Meesters, C. M. G., & Otgaar, H. (2022) · Children · doi:10.3390/children9121930 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“The need for investigating the relationship between various self-compassion components and coping has been signaled as an important topic for future inquiry [40].”
Background
Self‐Compassion and Self‐Forgiveness in Alcohol Risk, Treatment and Recovery: A Systematic Review
Berg, S. J., Zaso, M. J., Biehler, K. M., & Read, J. P. (2024) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.2987 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
French drivers’ behavior: Do psychological resources and vulnerabilities matter?
Karras, M., Delhomme, P., & Csillik, A. (2022) · Journal of Safety Research · doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2021.12.005 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
The Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Psychological Outcomes in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review.
Wang, J., Drossaert, C. H. C., Knevel, M., Chen, L., Bohlmeijer, E. T., & Schroevers, M. J. (2025) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.70090 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“1.2 | Self‐Compassion, Emotion Regulation and Coping First, it has been posited that the psychological benefits of self‐ compassion can be explained by the strategies that people use to regulate their emotions and cope with stress (Ewert et al. 2021).”
Influential
Predictors of Secondary Traumatic Stress in Mental Health Professionals: Trauma History, Self-Compassion, Emotional Intelligence
Yazıcı, H., & Özdemir, M. (2022) · Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1007/s10942-022-00458-y · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Self‐compassion , coping strategies and gender differences in psychology, counselling and psychotherapy practitioners during COVID ‐19: Lessons learnt
Keyes, J., Yankouskaya, A., & Panourgia, C. (2022) · Counselling and Psychotherapy Research · doi:10.1002/capr.12574 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“In consistency with previous research in general populations (i.e. Ewert et al., 2021; Sirois et al., 2015), the current findings indicate that high self- compassion could significantly predict higher frequency use of approach coping strategies in PCPPs. Research suggests self- compassion…”
BackgroundResult
Self-compassion Predicts Higher Affective Well-being and Lower Stress Symptoms Through Less Dysfunctional Coping: A Three-wave Longitudinal Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Asselmann, E., Bendau, A., Hoffmann, C. F. A., & Ewert, C. (2024) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-024-00755-6 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“One possible explanation for these associations is that self-compassionate individuals may cope more successfully with stress (Ewert et al., 2021).”
InfluentialSelf-citation
Gender Differences in Coping Strategies and Life Satisfaction Following Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Goren, G., Schwartz, D., Friger, M. D., Sergienko, R., Monsonego, A., Slonim‐Nevo, V., Greenberg, D., Odes, S., & Sarid, O. (2025) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm14051569 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“Further research is needed on venting, as limited studies have examined its role as a coping strategy [40].”
The Relationship of Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Social Support to Psychological Distress in Women Collegiate Athletes During COVID-19.
Mikesell, M., Petrie, T., Chu, T., & Moore, E. (2023) · Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (JSEP) · doi:10.1123/jsep.2022-0262 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Linking Mothers’ Self-Compassion and Parenting Feelings to Their Child’s Behavior Problems
Cohen, E., & Naaman, E. R. (2022) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-022-02043-x · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Supportive evidence for the State Self-Compassion Scale using Japanese samples.
Chishima, Y., Sugawara, D., & Mizuno, M. (2022) · Psychological Assessment · doi:10.1037/pas0001144 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Children’s and Adolescents’ Pet Attachment, Empathy, and Compassionate Responding to Self and Others
Bosacki, S., Tardif-Williams, C. Y., & Roma, R. P. S. (2022) · Adolescents · doi:10.3390/adolescents2040039 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“Studies show that higher levels of compassionate and mindful self-responding lead to an increase in adaptive psychological functions (such as self-care behavior; [37], and a reduction in maladaptive coping strategies, which can exert beneﬁts for psychological functioning [22,31,38,39].”
Background
On the importance of being clear about the level of analysis of interest: An illustration using the case of self‐compassion
Büchner, A., Ewert, C., Hoffmann, C. F. A., Schröder–Abé, M., & Horstmann, K. T. (2024) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/jopy.12924 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“Meta-analyses support the protective nature of self-compassion by linking it to well-being (Zessin et al., 2015), mental health (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012; Marsh et al., 2018; Turk & Waller, 2020), adaptive coping (Ewert et al., 2021), physical health and health behavior (Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
Self-citation
Self-compassion and health-related quality of life in individuals with endometriosis
Skinner, C. M., & Kuijer, R. G. (2024) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2024.2325506 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“…strategies such as acceptance and positive reframing and problem-focused coping strategies such as planning and seeking instrumental support (Ewert et al., 2021; Sirois et al., 2015) and are better able to regulate their emotions (Terry & Leary, 2011), all of which may promote resilience…”
Longitudinal associations between capacity to be alone, life satisfaction, self‐compassion, anxiety, and depression among Chinese college students
Tang, Q., Zou, X., Wang, S., Zhang, L., Liu, X., Shi, C., Tao, Y., & Li, Y. (2024) · PsyCh Journal · doi:10.1002/pchj.783 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Self-Compassion and Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms in a Non-Clinical Sample: Insights from Network Analysis and Canonical Correlation Analysis
Moroń, M., & Kocur, D. J. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02256-8 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“These associations might be due to the fact that in general, individuals high in self-compassion use more adaptive coping strategies and fewer maladaptive coping strategies (Ewert et al., 2021), as well as fewer repetitive negative thoughts (Wadsworth et al., 2018).”
Coping strategies following the diagnosis of a fetal anomaly: A scoping review
Zhang, T., Chen, W., He, Q., Li, Y., Peng, H., Xie, J., Hu, H., & Qin, C. (2023) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1055562 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE CİNSİYET, PSİKOLOJİK KIRILGANLIK VE ÖZ ŞEFKATİN PSİKOLOJİK İYİ OLUŞ İLE İLİŞKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Köksal, Z., Topkaya, N., & Şahin, E. (2023) · Elektronik Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi · doi:10.17755/esosder.1223885 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Sticking fewer (or more) pins into a doll? The role of self-compassion in the relations between interpersonal goals and aggression
Miyagawa, Y., & Taniguchi, J. (2021) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-021-09913-2 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Self‐compassion and related factors in severe mental illness: A scoping review
Kurebayashi, Y., & Sugimoto, H. (2022) · Perspectives In Psychiatric Care · doi:10.1111/ppc.13017 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Pull yourself out of a dark place: Self-compassion moderates the relationships between ostracism, meaningful existence, and darkness judgment
Jiang, Y., & Poon, K. (2022) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-022-03838-w · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“…that the mediating effect of meaningful existence on the link between ostra - cism and darkness judgment is observed only among participants with low self-compassion, expanding on existing literature on the protective value of self-compassion (Ewert et al., 2021; MacBeth & Gumley, 2012).”
Background
Self-compassion and avoidant coping as mediators of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and mental health and alcohol use in young adulthood.
Grummitt, L., Kelly, E., Newton, N., Stapinski, L., Lawler, S., Prior, K., & Barrett, E. (2023) · International Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect · doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106534 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Longitudinal Relations among Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, and Depressive Symptoms in College Students: Disentangling the Within-Person Process from Stable Between-Person Differences
Shi, X.-L., Zhang, W., Chen, X., & Zhu, Y. (2024) · Journal of Youth and Adolescence · doi:10.1007/s10964-024-02069-5 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“Possible psychological mechanisms, such as lessened automatic and negative thinking (Yip & Tong, 2021), increased adaptive coping (Ewert et al., 2021), and enhanced emotion regulation skills (Inwood & Ferrari, 2018), may explain the alleviating effect of self-compassion on psychopathology.”
Within-Person Relationships Among Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Anxiety Symptoms: Testing an Emotion Regulation Model of Self-Compassion
Zhang, W., Chen, X., Ya, Z., & Shi, X. (2024) · Journal of Youth and Adolescence · doi:10.1007/s10964-024-02122-3 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Thus, high levels of self-compassion can be conceptualized as a personal resource that might help individuals to foster emotional coping strategies (Chishima et al., 2018; Ewert et al., 2021; Sirois et al., 2015).”
The association between self-compassion and psychological distress among Chinese college students: serial mediation via emotions and resilience resources
Hou, J., Qu, D., Bu, H., Chen, B., Liu, G., & Yu, N. X. (2025) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-024-07227-3 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Several mechanisms have been proposed, including less self-stigma, reduced maladaptive coping, and enhanced adaptive coping and decentering (Chan et al., 2023; Ewert et al., 2021; Johnson et al., 2021).”
Self-Compassion for Caregivers of Children in Parentally Bereaved Families: A Theoretical Model and Intervention Example
Zhang, N., Sandler, I. N., Thieleman, K., Wolchik, S. A., & O’Hara, K. L. (2023) · Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10567-023-00431-w · Cited by 8 · see citing works
The effect of brief digital mindfulness-based interventions on increasing online charitable behavior in Chinese adolescents
Hong, M., Liang, D., Lu, T., & Liu, S. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1213089 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“When individuals experience negative emotions or events, selfcompassion may be a valuable coping resource, potentially preventing the occurrence of psychological distress (Ewert et al., 2021).”
Background
Self-Compassion, Personal Improvement, and Motivation
Ortiz, A., Goold, A. R., & Zhang, J. W. (2023) · Mindfulness in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22348-8_12 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Structural Violence and Stress Experiences of Young Pregnant Black People
Koenig, M. D., Crooks, N. K., Burton, T. C. J., Li, Y., Hemphill, N. O., Erbe, K., Rutherford, J. N., Liese, K. L., Pearson, P., Stewart, K., et al. (2023) · Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities · doi:10.1007/s40615-023-01661-y · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Emotion-focused coping behaviors were also employed in our sample, including emotional approach coping (i.e., cognitive reframing through talking) and emotional avoidance coping (i.e., experiential avoidance) [78].”
The Developmental Trajectory of Chinese Adolescents’ Self-Compassion and its Relationship with Parenting Styles: a Longitudinal Study
Liu, X., Cui, L., & Yang, Y. (2024) · Journal of Youth and Adolescence · doi:10.1007/s10964-024-02087-3 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“Recent meta-analysis has revealed the positive associations between self-compassion and individuals ’ health behaviors (Phillips and Hine (2021)), adaptive coping (Ewert et al., 2021) and life satisfaction (Wang & Lou, 2022).”
Addressing Shame Through Self Compassion
Cepni, A. B., Hayle, Y., Irshad, A. M., Yoe, G. K., & Johnston, C. A. (2024) · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine · doi:10.1177/15598276241292993 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“18 Facilitating feelings of self-compassion has been shown to be effective in mitigating the detrimental impacts of chronic shame, support emotional regulation, and increase the likelihood of long-term change in health and well-being.”
Rest Intolerance, Emotional Distress, Insomnia, and Adaptive Coping Strategies: A Validation and Serial Mediation Analysis Study
Avcı, M. Z. (2025) · Psychiatric Quarterly · doi:10.1007/s11126-025-10176-0 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“Furthermore, self-com - passion practices were reported to reduce emotional distress and facilitate more adaptive coping mechanisms in challenging situations [24, 25 ], thus offering a potential solution to counteract the negative effects of rest intolerance.”
Control-Oriented and Escape-Oriented Coping: Links to Social Support and Mental Health in Early Adolescents
Cherewick, M., Davenport, M., Lama, R., Giri, P., Mukhia, D., Rai, R. P., Cruz, C. M., & Matergia, M. (2025) · European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education · doi:10.3390/ejihpe15090172 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Coping strategies involve the development, practice, and mastery of mindsets and skills that enable people to navigate, respond to and adapt to stressors (Ewert et al., 2021; Garcia, 2010).”
Finding kindness: A randomized controlled trial of an online self‐compassion intervention for weight management ( SC4WM )
Brenton-Peters, J., Consedine, N. S., Cavadino, A., Roy, R., Ginsberg, K. H., & Serlachius, A. S. (2023) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjhp.12686 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy for insomnia: Exploring the potential benefit of psychological flexibility and self-compassion combined with behavioral strategies
Miller‐Mendes, M., Castilho, P., Clara, M. I., Clemente, V., & Gomes, A. A. (2023) · New Ideas in Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.newideapsych.2023.101013 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Self-Compassion and Emotion Dysregulation Mediate the Effect of Stress Appraisals on Elder Abuse and Neglect Behaviors in Dementia Family Caregiving
Pickering, C. E. Z., Weiss, N. H., Yıldız, M., & Sullivan, T. P. (2024) · The Journals of Gerontology Series B · doi:10.1093/geronb/gbae138 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“…the stress-coping process, with another meta-analysis showing moderate effect sizes between self-compassion and adaptive coping and a large effect size for an inverse relationship between self-compassion and mal-adaptive coping strategies across a variety of populations (Ewert et al., 2021).”
Method
Self-Compassion and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Transactional Model on Mechanisms of Change
Anthes, L. S., & Dreisoerner, A. (2026) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-025-02753-y · Cited by 6 · see citing works
The Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Resilience in the General Population: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Li, X., Malli, M., Cosco, T. D., & Zhou, G.-Y. (2024) · JMIR Research Protocols · doi:10.2196/60154 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“Potential pathways through which self-compassion is linked to resilience may involve emotion regulation and stress coping [20,31].”
Influential
Death anxiety as mediator of relationship between renunciation of desire and mental health as predicted by Nonself Theory
Kuo, Y.-F., Chang, Y.-M., Lin, M.-F., Wu, M.-L., & Shiah, Y. (2022) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-14527-w · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Roles of Parental Psychological Flexibility, Self-Compassion, and Self-Efficacy in Affecting Mental Health and Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Eczema
Chong, Y. Y., Kwan, J. Y. M., Yau, P. T., Cheng, H. Y., & Chien, W. T. (2023) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare11202708 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Firstly, psychological ﬂexibility and self-compassion encompass aspects related to coping strategies, emotional well-being, and adaptive responses, which may overlap with the concept of self-efﬁcacy to some extent [74,75].”
Background
The synergy between stress and self‐compassion in building resilience: A 4‐year longitudinal study
Park, J. Y., Bluth, K., Lathren, C., Leary, M. R., & Hoyle, R. H. (2024) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/spc3.12978 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Self-Compassion and Smartphone Addiction Tendency Among College Students: The Chain-Mediating Effect of Self-Concept Clarity and Experiential Avoidance
Qiu, Y., Gong, S., Yang, Y., Wang, J., & Tan, L. (2025) · Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.3390/bs15040512 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“…studies have indicated that individuals with high self-compassion demonstrate more effective emotion regulation strategies, adopt more adaptive coping strategies, and possess richer psychological resources (Bakker et al., 2019; Diedrich et al., 2014; Ewert et al., 2021; Y. Yang et al., 2016).”
Softening the Blow: The Mitigating Effect of Compassion on the Negative Consequences of Psychological Contract Breach and Violation Feelings
Krivacek, S., Zagenczyk, T. J., Griep, Y., & Cruz, K. S. (2025) · Journal of Business Ethics · doi:10.1007/s10551-025-06031-8 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Self-Compassion to Community: The Mediating Effect of Belonging on College Student Mental Health and Life Satisfaction
Clarke, B., & Guida, A. M. (2025) · Journal of College Student Mental Health · doi:10.1080/28367138.2025.2552484 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“This shift not only reduces anxiety and depression but also equips students with proactive coping strategies, including space to develop social support (Clarke & Hartley, 2024; Ewert et al., 2021; Wilson et al., 2020).”
Enhancing academic resilience through mindfulness training: an experimental study with Chinese undergraduates and the mediating role of psychological flexibility
Yuan, M., & Hu, Z. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1692295 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Dimensions of the KidCope and their associations with mental health outcomes in Tanzanian adolescent orphans
Cherewick, M., Bertomen, S., Njau, P., Leiferman, J., & Dahl, R. E. (2023) · Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1080/21642850.2023.2288883 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Coping strategies represent the combination of skills and mindsets that individuals employ to adapt to stress (Ewert et al., 2021; Garcia, 2010).”
“We felt so alone, but at least we felt it together”: Self‐compassion among teachers
Awwad‐Tabry, S., & Levkovich, I. (2024) · Psychology in the Schools · doi:10.1002/pits.23289 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Early appearance concerns after burns: Investigating the roles of psychological flexibility and self-compassion.
Shepherd, L., Sirois, F., Harcourt, D., Norman, P., & Thompson, A. R. (2024) · Body image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101797 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Self-compassion as a mediator of the relationship between social support and identity affirmation in sexual minority adults
Cavarra, R., Anderson, J. R., & Pepping, C. A. (2024) · Psychology & Sexuality · doi:10.1080/19419899.2024.2428940 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“Further, self-compassion also predicts more effective coping strategies (Ewert et al., 2021) and less overidentification with negative emotions (Munroe et al., 2022).”
The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Mental Health: The Role of Motivations to Use Social Media, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion
Harvey, A. G., & Aikman, S. N. (2025) · Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science · doi:10.1007/s41347-025-00504-3 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Does compassion for oneself extend to prosocial behavior for others? Examining the relationship between self-compassion and prosocial behavior using multilevel meta-analysis
Liu, X., Li, J., & Chen, X. (2025) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2025.113047 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Quick Self-Compassion: Italian Validation, Network Analysis, Item Response Theory Analysis, and Correlates of the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form
Fuochi, G., Voci, A., & Moè, A. (2025) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-025-02516-9 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“…of dispositional mindfulness and gratitude (e.g., Gar-cia-Campayo et al., 2014; Voci et al., 2019); more adaptive emotion-regulation strategies, including lower rumination (Ewert et al., 2021); and higher levels of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being (e.g., Voci et al., 2019; Zessin et al., 2015).”
Influential
Work‐Stressors and Depression and Anxiety—A Longitudinal Study of the Moderating Role of Self‐Compassion
de Krijger, E., ten Klooster, P. T., Geuze, E., Kelders, S. M., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2025) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.70006 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
A mixed methods exploration of the interrelationships among self-compassion, stress management, psychological capital, and life satisfaction in Chinese university students
Huang, P., Lin, Z., Wang, B., & Du, Z. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1510987 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“…and life satisfaction by fostering control over stressors (De Witte et al., 2019; Morales-Rodríguez et al., 2020) and building psychological capital— resilience and optimism—central to life satisfaction (De Vibe et al., 2013; Ewert et al., 2021; Rabenu et al., 2017; Richardson and Rothstein, 2008).”
The Influence of a Multimodal Cognitive Behavioural Intervention on the Stress Mindset, Psychological Wellbeing, and Performance of Students Aged 16–18 Facing Exams
Sparks, K. V., Mansell, P. C., Wright, J. L., & Slater, M. (2025) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.70075 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“There is growing evidence in the beneficial role that self‐compassion can have on an adolescent's mental health (Marsh et al. 2018), including reducing levels of anxiety, depression and stress (Marsh et al. 2018) and using less mal-adaptive coping strategies (Ewert et al. 2021).”
Validation of the State Self-Compassion Scale in a German Sample and its Relations to Psychological Well-being and Mental Health
von Boros, L., Möhring, A., Göritz, A. S., Lieb, K., Wessa, M., Tuescher, O., & Schäfer, S. K. (2025) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-025-02669-7 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“Trait self-compassion is considered a health-promoting construct as meta-analyses link it positively to adaptive coping (Ewert et al., 2021), well-being (Chio et al., 2021; Zessin et al., 2015), and self-efficacy (Liao et al., 2021).”
Big Five personality traits and coping strategies of Italian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic first wave
Burro, R., Vicentini, G., & Raccanello, D. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1150674 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“Nevertheless, it is worth anticipating that there is a wide variety of strategies that people can use and that a key factor associated with their efficacy is the ability to flexibly choose the most adequate strategy in relation to the characteristics of both individuals and specific contexts (Ewert et al., 2021; Zimme…”
Background
Mindfulness Intervention Improves Coping and Perceptions of Children’s Behavior among Families with Elevated Risk
Krause, J. T., & Brown, S. M. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20237092 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Mindfulness has been hypothesized as a buffer against stress [48] and emphasizes present moment awareness, nonjudgment, and self-compassion, all of which have been associated with adaptive coping [65,103].”
Background
Development and factor structure of the French version of the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF-FV)
Barbenchon, E. L., & Genin, M. (2024) · Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.jbct.2023.100484 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Correlation of intratumoral mast cell quantity with psychosocial distress in patients with pancreatic cancer: the PancStress study
Sitte, A., Göß, R., Tüfekçi, T., Pergolini, I., Pfitzinger, P. L., Salvo‐Romero, E., Reyes, C. M., Tokalov, S. V., Safak, O., Steenfadt, H., et al. (2024) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-77010-8 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“This study revealed only slight differences in scale values between patients with PDAC and healthy adults, possibly due to age-related variations in coping strategies 42 .”
SELF-COMFORTING BEHAVIOURS ACROSS THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS: A 50-YEAR SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PATTERNS, MECHANISMS, AND SOCIO-CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Obohwemu, K. O., Yakpir, G. M., Simran, K., Ndioho, I. F., Owusuaa-Asante, M. A., Nourhan, A., Jamila, A., Karen, H., MSC IBIC Change, L., Omoregie, J., et al. (2024) · The American Journal of Social Science and Education Innovations · doi:10.37547/tajssei/volume06issue12-07 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Perceived discrimination as a predictor of cyberbullying: the mediating role of self-esteem and moderating role of self-compassion
Li, Q., Shang, S., Du, J., Wu, J., & Xiao, S. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1499759 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Previous studies have found that higher self-compassion is associated with greater use of adaptive coping strategies and less use of maladaptive coping strategies in stressful situations, such as discrimination (Ewert et al., 2021).”
Positive changes in daily life? A meta‐analysis of positive psychological ecological momentary interventions
Tomczyk, S., & Ewert, C. (2025) · Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.70006 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Self-citation
Body‐related self‐conscious emotions, self‐compassion, and dietary restraint in Canadian undergraduate university students: A multilevel mediation and moderation analysis
Bourke, M., & Pila, E. (2023) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.24049 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Brief Mindfulness Practice on Emotional Reactivity and Recovery: Understanding Effects of Gender and Trait Self-compassion
Helminen, E. C., Scheer, J. R., Morton, M. L., Coldon, A., & Felver, J. C. (2025) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-024-02496-2 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“Specifically, mindfulness practice and trait self-compassion (i.e., treating oneself with kindness and nonjudgement during difficult times; Neff, 2003) have demonstrated stress-buffering effects (Allen & Leary, 2010; Ewert et al., 2021; Morton et al., 2020).”
The Prevalence and Benefits of Self-Compassion Among Professional Caregivers
Lathren, C., Efird, L., Reed, D., Zimmerman, S. I., Perreira, K. M., Bluth, K., & Sloane, P. D. (2024) · Journal of the American Medical Directors Association · doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105099 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Self-compassion interventions for nursing students: A scoping review
Inuwa, A., & Esmaeilzadeh, S. (2025) · Nurse Education in Practice · doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104556 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Self-compassion and secondary traumatic stress in pediatric oncology/hematology nurses.
Tokatlıoğlu, T. Ş., & Güner, P. (2025) · Journal of pediatric nursing · doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.015 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
The Sussex Oxford Compassion for the Self Scale validity in a working sample using classical test theory, item response theory and network analysis
Meng, H., Wang, X., & Liu, H. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1110076 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Previous research has confirmed that self-compassion plays a positive role in helping people cope with the frustrations and pains of daily life (Ewert et al., 2021) and is also important in organizational life (Janssen et al.”
Background
Identifying Protective and Risk Factors for Non‐Suicidal Self‐Injury Among Young Adults in Korea: Insights From Problem Behaviour Theory
Oh, D., & Na, H. (2024) · International Journal of Mental Health Nursing · doi:10.1111/inm.13392 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Disentangling the relationship between state self‐compassion and state coping self‐efficacy using dynamic structural equation modeling
Wang, H., He, G., Wang, E., Wang, Y., Wang, Z., Zheng, M. Q., Zhu, Y., & Kong, F. (2024) · Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12593 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
A multi‐centre prospective cohort study investigating the roles of psychological flexibility and self‐compassion in appearance concerns after burn injuries
Shepherd, L., Sirois, F. M., Harcourt, D. M., Norman, P. E., Aaron, D. J., Adkins, K., Cartwright, A. V., Hodgkinson, E. L., Murphy, N., & Thompson, A. R. (2024) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjhp.12754 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“…of self-compassion work synergistically to defuse negative thoughts and responses to difficulties, promote self-acceptance and help feel less isolated, which in turn can reduce stress, promote adaptive coping and improve well-being (Ewert et al., 2021; Sirois et al., 2015; Zessin et al., 2015).”
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Co-Rumination and Emotional Problems in Early Chinese Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Self-Compassion
Wang, Z., Zheng, J., & Wang, X. (2025) · Psychological Reports · doi:10.1177/00332941251316439 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Social Media Utilization, Fear of Missing Out, Upward Social Comparison, and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals with Mental Health Concerns
Berkout, O. V., & Flynn, M. K. (2024) · Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science · doi:10.1007/s41347-024-00411-z · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Self-compassion was related to more adaptive responses to stressors and may buffer against the negative impact of challenging experiences (Ewert et al., 2021).”
Examining the Impact of a Brief Compassion Focused Intervention on Everyday Experiences of Compassion in Autistic Adults Through Psychophysiology and Experience Sampling
Sherwell, C. S., Varley, D., Kinnane, C., Turner, W. A., Zimmerman, D., & Kirby, J. N. (2025) · Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback · doi:10.1007/s10484-024-09681-y · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“…demonstrated that self-compassion is associated with improved psychological wellbeing (Zessin et al., 2015), better adaptive coping skills (Ewert et al., 2021), improved self-efficacy in the face of failures (Liao et al., 2021), and better psycho-physiological functioning of the…”
Exploring the link between masculine gender-role discrepancy and men’s life satisfaction
Kagan, M., Segev, E., & Kestler-Peleg, M. (2025) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-024-07231-7 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Self-compassion is well recognized as a psychological resource that helps cope with difficulties and failures, promotes mental health, and contributes to higher levels of life satisfaction (Ewert et al., 2021; Zessin et al., 2015).”
Trajectories of Self-compassion and Psychological Symptoms in Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients
Wang, J., Hu, Y., Wei, L., Liu, A., Yao, J., Schroevers, M. J., & Zhu, L. (2022) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01809-z · Cited by 4 · see citing works

A Network Investigation of Core Mindfulness Processes
Sala, M., Aslan, M., Gueorguieva, R. V., Schupak, M., & Garrison, K. A. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02109-4 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Examining How Headspace Impacts Mindfulness Mechanisms Over an 8-Week App-Based Mindfulness Intervention
Gavrilova, L., & Zawadzki, M. J. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02214-4 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Unpacking Mindfulness: The Role of Monitoring and Acceptance on Workplace Stress
Masters-Waage, T. C., Lu, Y., Chaturvedi, S., et al. (2021) · Academy of Management Proceedings · doi:10.5465/ambpp.2021.14933abstract
The Meaning and Doing of Mindfulness: The Role of Values in the Link Between Mindfulness and Well-Being
Christie, A. M., Atkins, P. W. B., & Donald, J. N. (2016) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-016-0606-9 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Mindfulness and Well-Being
Mishra, M. (2017) · Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing · Cited by 1 · see citing works

Authors: Ewert, C., Vater, A., & Schröder-Abé, M.
Affiliations: University of Potsdam (DE)
Corresponding author: Ewert, Christina
ORCID: Ewert, Christina
Venue: Mindfulness
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published: 2021-01-08
Volume: 12
Issue: 5
Pages: 1063-1077
ISSN: 1868-8527 (ISSN-L)
1868-8535
DOI: 10.1007/s12671-020-01563-8
OpenAlex: W3119952881
Semantic Scholar: 6a259076bd4d45258277091aa94b8eda7b7a9eb4
Cited by: 270
References: 81
Citations by year: 2026: 54 · 2025: 82 · 2024: 60 · 2023: 48 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 6
FWCI: 4.42
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
www.springer.com/tdm (vor)
Locations: Mindfulness (publishedVersion)
publish.UP (University of Potsdam) (submittedVersion)
OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints) (submittedVersion)
Funders: Potsdam Graduate School
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Student Stress and Coping
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Stress and Burnout Research
Keywords: self-compassion, coping, adaptive coping, maladaptive coping, emotional approach coping, problem-focused coping, stress, age differences, gender differences, regional background

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