A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Related Interventions for Individuals With Chronic Physical Health Conditions

Kılıç, Ayşenur; Hudson, Joanna; McCracken, Lance M.; Ruparelia, Roshni; Fawson, Sophie; Hughes, Lyndsay D.

doi:10.1016/j.beth.2020.08.001

Cited by 98Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsHealth, psychology, and well-beingReligion, Spirituality, and Psychology

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Related Interventions for Individuals With Chronic Physical Health Conditions

Kılıç, Ayşenur, Hudson, Joanna, McCracken, Lance M., Ruparelia, Roshni, Fawson, Sophie, Hughes, Lyndsay D.·2021·Behavior Therapy

DOI 10.1016/j.beth.2020.08.001

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Abstract

Self-compassion, defined as a mindful way of coping with pain and suffering by showing kindness, care, and concern towards the self, may improve psychological adjustment in people living with a chronic physical health condition (CPHC). Various studies illustrate that self-compassion is associated with positive outcomes in general. The aim of this systematic review is to establish the effect of compassion-related therapies on self-compassion specifically in people with CPHCs. Secondary aims are to (a) establish the effect on other psychological and physiological outcomes and (b) explore the relative effectiveness of different therapy types among those identified. Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched using "compassion" AND "chronic disease" AND "psychological outcomes" and their synonyms, from 2004 to March 2019. Eligible studies had an experimental design using a self-compassion scale with an adult population. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool. Effect sizes were calculated for study outcomes. Fifteen studies, including a total of 1,190 participants, 7 different CPHCs, and 11 types of therapies, were included in the review. Nearly all included therapies significantly increased self-compassion with medium to large effect sizes, and reported positive outcomes, such as decreased depression. None of the therapy types appeared clearly superior to the others. Findings from this review show that included therapies increased self-compassion and improved various outcomes, which may represent clinically significant benefits for patients. However, there is a need to further understand how self-compassion exerts its benefits and determine the best methods to increase self-compassion.

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Regardless of intervention type, effect sizes are generally low to moderate.
“Regardless of intervention type, effect sizes are generally low to moderate309”
From Comorbidity between major depressive disorder and physical diseases: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, mechanisms and management (2023) · cites this paper as [309]
Many individual studies are at risk of bias, have low sample sizes, and use heterogeneous research designs.
“and many individual studies are at risk of bias309, have low sample sizes, and use heterogenous research designs310.”
From Comorbidity between major depressive disorder and physical diseases: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, mechanisms and management (2023) · cites this paper as [309]

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A scoping review of the self-reported compassion measurement tools
Jiang, H., Wang, W., Mei, Y., Zhao, Z., Lin, B., & Zhang, Z. (2023) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-023-17178-2 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Hypnosis, Meditation, and Self-Induced Cognitive Trance to Improve Post-treatment Oncological Patients’ Quality of Life: Study Protocol
Grégoire, C., Marie, N., Sombrun, C., Faymonville, M.-É., Kotsou, I., van Nitsen, V., de Ribaucourt, S., Jérusalem, G., Laureys, S., Vanhaudenhuyse, A., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.807741 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Psychogastroenterology: The brain-gut axis and its psychological applications
van Tilburg, M. A. L., Drossman, D. A., & Knowles, S. R. (2021) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110684 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Self-compassion, Health Behaviors, Self-regulation, and Affective States Among Individuals at Risk of or Diagnosed with a Chronic Disease: a Scoping Review
Semenchuk, B. N., Kullman, S. M., Neilson, C. J., Ceccarelli, L. A., Boreskie, K. F., Kehler, D. S., Tutkaluke, T., Duhamel, T. A., & Strachan, S. M. (2022) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01821-3 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“Within these reviews, no research was included pertaining to respiratory disease and only one study in each review included individuals with CVD or diabetes (Austin et al., 2021; Kiliç et al., 2021).”
Background
Conceptualization, use, and outcomes associated with empathy and compassion in physical medicine and rehabilitation: a scoping review
Posa, S., Wasilewski, M. B., Mercer, S. W., Simpson, S., Robinson, L. R., & Simpson, R. (2022) · International Journal of Rehabilitation Research · doi:10.1097/mrr.0000000000000542 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Feasibility of a Loving Kindness Intervention for Mitigating Weight Stigma in Nursing Students: A Focus on Self-Compassion
Joseph, E. C., & Raque‐Bogdan, T. L. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02094-8 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Learning to cope with the reality of endometriosis: A mixed‐methods analysis of psychological therapy in women with endometriosis
Dowding, C., Mikocka‐Walus, A. A., Skvarc, D., O’Shea, M., OLIVE, L. S., & Evans, S. (2024) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjhp.12718 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Self-Compassion and Happiness: Exploring the Influence of the Subcomponents of Self-Compassion on Happiness and Vice Versa
Pastore, O. L., Brett, B., & Fortier, M. (2022) · Psychological Reports · doi:10.1177/00332941221084902 · Cited by 18 · 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
Lifespan perspective on self-compassion: Insights from age-groups and gender comparisons
Tavares, L., Xavier, A., Vagos, P., Castilho, P., Cunha, M. I. V. A., & Pinto‐Gouveia, J. (2024) · Applied Developmental Science · doi:10.1080/10888691.2024.2432864 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Developing a novel web-based self-management support intervention for polycystic ovary syndrome: mixed methods study with patients and health care professionals
Percy, C., Turner, A., & Orr, C. (2024) · JMIR Formative Research · doi:10.2196/52427 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Psychological Distress in Women with Fibromyalgia: The Roles of Body Appreciation, Self-Compassion, and Self-Criticism
Levy, S., Ohayon, S., Avitsur, R., & Geller, S. (2024) · International Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12529-024-10302-5 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy: Clinical Integration, Evidence Base, and Mechanisms of Change
Germer, C. K. (2023) · Mindfulness in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22348-8_22 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
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
“…interventions have been successful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in the general population (Ferrari et al., 2019; Neff & Germer, 2013; Sommers-Spijkerman et al., 2018) and in those with chronic health conditions, including chronic pain (Austin et al., 2021; Kılıç et al., 2021).”
An ACT self-help intervention for adults with a visible difference in appearance: A pilot feasibility and acceptability randomized controlled study.
Powell, L. D., Vasiliou, V. S., & Thompson, A. R. (2023) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101637 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Challenges in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Towards a Compassionate Approach
Shea, S., Lionis, C. D., Kite, C., Atkinson, L., Lagojda, L., Chaggar, S. S., Kyrou, I., & Randeva, H. S. (2023) · Livers · doi:10.3390/livers3030031 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“However, it appears that further research is required to identify the mechanisms involved in the effectiveness of self-compassion [43], and particularly the potential role that this approach may have in the management of NAFLD.”
BackgroundInfluential
Can self‐compassion help us better understand the impact of pulmonary hypertension on those with the condition and their carers? A cross‐sectional analysis
Rawlings, G. H., Nováková, B., Armstrong, I. J., & Thompson, A. R. (2023) · Pulmonary Circulation · doi:10.1002/pul2.12208 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“Such findings have helped to inform and develop a range of stand‐alone and supplementary interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress by cultivating compassion towards self and others.(22,23) Indeed, compassion‐based interventions have been associated with significant changes in depression, anxiety, psycholo…”
Background
The Predictive Value of Self-Compassion for Psychological Adjustment in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients: An Observational Study
Morgenroth, O., Petersen, L., Frey, N., & Reinecke, A. (2022) · ESC Heart Failure · doi:10.1002/ehf2.13931 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“A systematic review of self-compassion related interventions showed significant effects also for individuals with chronic physical health conditions.(21) Although only a few studies have investigated mindfulness in patients with heart failure, these studies suggest that their beneficial effects would likely extend to…”
Background
What are the benefits of cultivating self-compassion in adults with low back pain? A systematic review
Ballejos, K. G., Calvetti, P. Ü., Schaab, B. L., & Reppold, C. T. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1270287 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
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
Self-Compassion-Based Interventions in Oncology: A Review of Current Practices
Grégoire, C., Paye, A., & Vanhaudenhuyse, A. (2024) · OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2401007 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Psychometric validation of the 15-item Patient Health Questionnaire - Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS) to assess psychological distress in breast cancer survivors.
Ibrahimi, E., Fawson, S., Hughes, L. D., & Chilcot, J. (2024) · General Hospital Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.03.004 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Self-citation
Post-covid-19 syndrome: Self-compassion and psychological flexibility moderate the relationship between physical symptom load and psychosocial impact
Tudor, L., Harenwall, S., Henderson, R., & Bland, A. R. (2023) · Acta Psychologica · doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104093 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
An online acceptance, commitment, and self-compassion based treatment to decrease psychological distress in people with type 2 diabetes: A feasibility randomised-controlled trial
Kılıç, A., Hudson, J., Scott, W., McCracken, L. M., Hackett, R. A., & Hughes, L. D. (2023) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2023.100658 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“A recent systematic review of randomised-controlled trials (RCT) indicates that self-compassion interventions may be beneficial for people with chronic physical health conditions, including one RCT in diabetes (Kılıç et al., 2021).”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Self-compassion and association with distress, depression, and anxiety among displaced Syrians: A population-based study
Alsamman, S., Dajani, R. B., & Al‐Delaimy, W. K. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0309051 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Increasing access to pain management: Feasibility of a self-compassion psychoeducational website using a minimally monitored delivery model
Basque, D., Talbot, F., & French, D. J. (2021) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2021.100458 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Can a positive psychology intervention cultivating self-compassion enhance mental health by fostering self-compassion and adaptive capacities? Results from a randomized controlled trial
Wang, J., Tönis, K. J. M., Kraiss, J. T., Drossaert, C. H. C., Schroevers, M. J., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2025) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2025.2568840 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“Furthermore, existing evidence indicates that self-compassion related interventions effectively enhance self-compassion and improve overall mental health outcomes (Austin et al., 2021; Ferrari et al., 2019; Kılıç et al., 2021; Luo et al., 2021; Mistretta & Davis, 2022).”
Caring for the Carer – Self-Compassion in the Health Professions
Pavlova, A., & Consedine, N. S. (2023) · Mindfulness in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22348-8_14 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Examining the acceptability and feasibility of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme in adults living with chronic kidney disease: the COSMIC study findings
Wilson, A. C., Carswell, C., McKeaveney, C., Atkinson, K., Burton, S., McVeigh, C., Graham‐Wisener, L., Jääskeläinen, E., Johnston, W. C., O’Rourke, D., et al. (2024) · BMC Nephrology · doi:10.1186/s12882-024-03473-6 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Effectiveness of compassion focused acceptance and commitment therapy on psychological flexibility and psychological distress in patients with multiple sclerosis
Department of Psychology, S. O. E. A. P., Mansouri Koryani, R., Basaak Nejad, S., Department of Psychology, S. O. E. A. P., Mehrabizadeh Honarmand, M., Department of Psychology, S. O. E. A. P., Majdinasab, N., & Department of Neurology, M. R. R. C. (2022) · Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.32598/ijpcp.28.2.3747.1 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
The Role of Self‐Compassion in Teachers' Well‐Being: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Wong, M. Y. C., Fung, H. W., Yuan, G. F., & Tao, S. (2025) · International Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1002/ijop.70098 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Emotion-Based Interventions for Clinicians
Stevens, F. L. (2022) · Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy · doi:10.1007/s10879-022-09546-7 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based intervention on individuals with physical disabilities in China
Liang, L.-Y., & Shek, D. T. L. (2024) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-024-10305-0 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“…in self-kindness, a reduction in self-criticism, self-isolation, and excessive self-indul-gence, enhancement of common humanity, and improvement in present-moment mindfulness, aligning with conclusions from Western studies (Johansson et al., 2015; Kılıç et al., 2021; Simpson et al., 2017).”
The Promising Role of Self-Compassion in Managing Type 1 Diabetes
KAELBERER, C. J., & Tanenbaum, M. L. (2023) · Endocrines · doi:10.3390/endocrines4020024 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
The Effect of Self-Compassion-Focused Interventions for People with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ma, Y., Zhang, W., Wang, Y., Luk, B. H.-K., Song, G., & Ma, H. (2025) · Substance Use & Misuse · doi:10.1080/10826084.2025.2509268 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse in the U.S. reported that over 60% of people with SUD also experience a mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018).”
Influential
Self‐compassion in patients undergoing haemodialysis: A qualitative study
Kemmochi, T., Oka, M., Matsumoto, M., Sato, Y., Sato, M., Fukuda, A., Sadakata, A., & Kimura, K. (2024) · Journal of Renal Care · doi:10.1111/jorc.12516 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Physical symptoms distress and demoralization among haemodialysis patients; the mediating effect of spirituality and self-compassion. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey
Lin, C., Chiang, Y., Li, W., Chu, T., & Hsiao, Y. (2025) · International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances · doi:10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100288 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Efficacy of an Online Self-compassion Group Intervention for Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Li, X., Liu, Q., Yang, Y., Xi, W., & Zhou, G. (2025) · AIDS and Behavior · doi:10.1007/s10461-025-04624-y · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Self-compassion, mental health, and emotion regulation in adults with temporal lobe epilepsy
Batchelor, R., Moore, C., Isaac, C. L., & Hotton, M. (2025) · Epilepsy & Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110502 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Experiences of Health-Promoting Activities among Individuals with Knee Pain: The Halland Osteoarthritis Cohort
Sylwander, C., Sunesson, E., Andersson, M., Haglund, E., & Larsson, I. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191710529 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“These results align with previous research on self-compassion treatments for chronic pain, which increase pain acceptance and wellbeing [63].”
Result
Compassion-Facilitating Interventions Among Patients With Life-Limiting Chronic Illnesses: A Scoping Review
Ng, M. S. N., Li, C., Chan, Z. K. W., & Steindl, S. R. (2024) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-024-02436-0 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Regarding intervention delivery, consistent with a previous systematic review (Kılıç et al., 2021), the current review also found that group-based face-to-face sessions were the most common delivery format for compassion-facilitating interventions.”
Influential
The role of self-compassion in protecting psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life in those with endometriosis: A prospective study
Skinner, C. M., & Kuijer, R. G. (2025) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112322 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Exploring the role of shame and self-compassion on the link between fibromyalgia symptoms and depression: Insights from mediation and moderation analyses
Fortuna, J., Pinto, A. M., da Silva, J. A. P., Geenen, R., & Castilho, P. (2025) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/13591053251331286 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The COMFORT Trial: A Randomised Control Trial Comparing Group‐Based COM passion‐ FO cused Therapy Techniques and Breathing Pattern R e T raining With Treatment as Usual on the Psychological Functioning of Patients Diagnosed With Cancer Recurrence
Lynch, S., Pender, R., Ingram, C., Finnerty, C., Lowry, D., O’Meara, Y., & Brennan, D. J. (2025) · Cancer Medicine · doi:10.1002/cam4.71047 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Illness perceptions and compassion are important psychological processes involved in distress in chronic pain: A longitudinal study
Widdrington, H., Cherry, M. G., Herron, K., & Krahé, C. (2025) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2025.104922 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The Use and Outcomes of Compassion‐Focused Group Interventions With Children and Adolescent Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Roberts, G., Parish, N., & Samuel, V. M. (2026) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.70259 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Two recent systematic reviews (Kılıç et al. 2021; Austin et al. 2021) investigated its effectiveness in these populations.”
Effectiveness of the Internet Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (iABCT) to improve the quality of life and well-being in a population with chronic medical illness: A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial (SPIRIT compliant)
Martínez-Sanchis, M., Vara, M. D., Herrero, R., Campos, D., García‐Campayo, J., & Baños, R. M. (2022) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0278462 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
MITIG.RA: study protocol of a tailored psychological intervention for managing fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis randomized controlled trial
Duarte, C. C. M., Spilker, R. L. F., Paiva, C., Ferreira, R. J. O., da Silva, J. A. P., & Pinto, A. M. (2023) · Trials · doi:10.1186/s13063-023-07692-4 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Regarding acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), studies have found it effective in enhancing the quality of life [36]; improving chronic illness-related symptoms, such as pain, depression, and anxiety [37–39]; and decreasing fatigue levels in chronic fatigue syndrome [40].”
Background
Assessing Self-Compassion in Older Adults: Factorial Structure of the Self-Compassion Scale and Invariance Across Sex at Birth
Tavares, L., Vagos, P., Cunha, M. I. V. A., & Xavier, A. (2024) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-024-02441-3 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“…well-being, positive affect, life satisfaction) and may be a protective factor in face of distress and diverse mental health problems (Han & Kim, 2023; MacBeth & Gumley, 2012; Zessin et al., 2015), as well as physical health and health-related conditions (Kılıç et al., 2021; Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
Identifying the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with post COVID
Keith, S., Hill, G., Smith, A., Brechin, D., Mustafa, R., Antunes, G., & Swanson, V. (2025) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112147 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Exploring Compassion-Based Positive Psychology for Cardiac Recovery: A Mixed Methods Case Study
Tönis, K. J. M., Kraiss, J. T., Toivonen, H. K., Linssen, G. C. M., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2025) · International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology · doi:10.1007/s41042-025-00247-9 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Compassion-based interventions can improve self-compassion and mental health (Kılıç et al., 2021 ) and help patients accept their long-term physical conditions and limitations, and changes in their bodies (Austin et al., 2021 ).”
Path to practising self‐compassion in a tertiary eating disorders treatment program: A qualitative analysis
Geller, J., Fernandes, A., Srikameswaran, S., Pullmer, R., & Marshall, S. K. (2022) · British Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjc.12370 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Living Well with Illness: Evaluation of a Transdiagnostic Compassion-Focused Therapy Group for Long-Term Health Conditions
Snodgrass, R., Carnell, J., & Chapman, T. (2022) · OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2203035 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-Compassion, Health, and Eating Behavior Change
Mantzios, M., Hussain, M., & Giannou, K. (2024) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-97-0821-5_37-1 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Diagnostic validation of the 00325 Inadequate Self‐Compassion
Devesa, A. M., Martínez, D. G., de Souza‐Oliveira, A. C., Jiménez, D. M., Pérez, P. E., & Moreno, I. M. (2024) · International Journal of Nursing Knowledge · doi:10.1111/2047-3095.12502 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Compassion-focused therapy for anxiety, depression, and self-compassion in adults with epilepsy
Batchelor, R., & Violette, M. (2025) · Epilepsy & Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110698 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Relationship between fatigue and self-compassion and associated factors in patients with hematological cancer: A cross-sectional study
Çetiner, E., & Kavradım, S. T. (2025) · Supportive Care in Cancer · doi:10.1007/s00520-025-10006-w · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Social support and self-compassion mediate the relationship between alexithymia and quality of life in postoperative breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study
Liao, Z., Hu, P., Xiao, T., Tang, H., Deng, H., Hao, X., & Yan, J. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1722515 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Can intolerance of uncertainty & anxiety impact the lives we lead? Understanding lived experiences of people with chronic physical health and pain conditions
Drakes, D. H., Rochon, E., & Ouimet, A. J. (2026) · International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2026.100683 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“Indeed, systematic and meta-analytic reviews suggest that self-compassion (Kılıç et al., 2021) and ACT (Konstantinou et al., 2023) interventions are effective in reducing anxiety and depression in CPHPC populations.”
Dismantling the mechanism of VR self-compassion training: A two-session controlled trial with active controls
Xia, H., Coundouris, S. P., Elliott, T. C., Baghaei, N., Oestreich, L., Greig, L., Henry, J. D., & Kirby, J. N. (2026) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2026.105102 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-Compassion and Chronic Medical Conditions
Finlay‐jones, A. L., Boggiss, A. L., & Serlachius, A. S. (2023) · Mindfulness in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22348-8_19 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Self-Compassion and Psychological Wellbeing Among Patients With Hepatitis-C: Social Support as Moderator
Fatima, A., & Rehna, T. (2024) · Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research · doi:10.33824/pjpr.2024.39.1.11 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Community‐based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Programmes for rheumatic conditions: An acceptability and qualitative process evaluation study
Christodoulou, V., Artemiou, K., & Vasiliou, V. S. (2025) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjhp.70031 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“…transdiagnostic psychological processes, such as psychological flexibility (Hardy & Segerstrom, 2017; McCracken et al., 2012; Trainor et al., 2019), mindfulness (Zhou et al., 2020 ) and self-compassion (Kılıç et al., 2021) can help individuals better manage the daily rheumatic symptom fluctuations.”
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the Danish version of the self-compassion scale in the general population and in a sub-population of patients with chronic pain
Jarløv, T. T., Hansson, S. H., Kurish, C. J., Larsen, D. B., & Petrini, L. (2026) · Acta Psychologica · doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.106618 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Applications of mindfulness and/or compassion interventions for people who stutter: A systematic reviewPreprint
Haitani, T. (2022) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/ab2tv · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Compassionate Mind Training Group Programme: Implementation and Evaluation within an NHS Physical Health & Rehabilitation Psychology Service
Moran, C., Shaw, H., Black, S., & Brewster, K. (2023) · OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2301006
فعالية برنامج إرشادي سلوكي جدلي لتنمية الشفقة بالذات لدى المراهقات
سالم, م. ا. ح. س. (2023) · مجلة کلیة التربیة بالإسماعیلیة · doi:10.21608/jfes.2023.301075
How Prospective Mathematics Teachers Do Computational Thinking (CT) Task? : An Analysis Of CT Prior Knowledge
Sari, D. M., Suhendra, S., & Nurlaelah, E. (2024) · Hipotenusa Journal of Mathematical Society · doi:10.18326/hipotenusa.v6i1.1908
“(Kılıç et al., 2021).”
Yeme Tutumları ile Öz Şefkat Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Kıran, E., Erdoğdu, Y., & Sümengen, N. C. (2024) · Aurum Journal of Social Sciences · doi:10.62393/aurum.1472141
Kanser Tanılı Bireylerde Başa Çıkma Stratejisi Olarak Öz-şefkat ve Öz-şefkati Geliştirmeye Yönelik Müdahaleler: Literatür Derlemesi
Çetiner, E., & Kavradım, S. T. (2024) · Akdeniz Hemşirelik Dergisi · doi:10.59398/ahd.1446809
“Sleeping My Life Away”: Experiences of Living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Bothelius, K., Salimi, N., Lehtilä, R. E. M., Furmark, T., & Nehlin, C. (2025) · Behavioral Sleep Medicine · doi:10.1080/15402002.2025.2475913
“These concepts have been recognized as potentially important in both management and treatment of other long-term diseases (Ambrosio et al., 2015; Kilic et al., 2021).”
The Relationship Between Self-compassion and Mood in Iranian Patients with Heart Failure: A Cross-sectional Study
Zolfaghari, F., Babaei, S., Nazari, F., & Momeni-Ghaleghasemi, T. (2025) · Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences · doi:10.5812/jnms-157439
When the Value Is Greater Than the Sum of the Separate Parts: The Synergy Between Mindfulness and Compassion
Schroevers, M. J. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-91451-5_14
Additional file 1 of Examining the acceptability and feasibility of the Compassionate Mindful Resilience (CMR) programme in adults living with chronic kidney disease: the COSMIC study findings
Wilson, A. C., Carswell, C., McKeaveney, C., Atkinson, K. A., Burton, S. J., McVeigh, C., Graham-Wisener, L., Jääskeläinen, E., Johnston, W. C., O’Rourke, D., et al. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.25123917
Additional file 1 of A scoping review of the self-reported compassion measurement tools
Jiang, H., Wang, W., Mei, Y., Zhao, Z., Lin, B., & Zhang, Z. (2023) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.24630241
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for distress in university students with chronic physical health conditions: a single-arm feasibility study of an app-based intervention
Gkofa, V., Godfrey, E. L., & Scott, W. (2026) · Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science · doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2026.100994
Improving dyadic quality of life for left ventricular assistive devices patients and caregivers: Rationale & design of the Compassion Strikes Back pilot
Shonrock, A. T., Cohen, T., Calkins, T., Bell, J., Perez, S., Ríos, I., Villarroel, L. D., & Ahmed, M. M. (2026) · American Heart Journal Plus: Cardiology Research and Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ahjo.2026.100758 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“In the realm of medical patients, self-compassion has been shown to be beneficial across a variety of settings for improving psychological outcomes for individuals with chronic health conditions, decreasing feelings like depression, anxiety and shame [6,7].”
Sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of self-compassion in adolescents with physical health conditions
Uslu, B., Busching, R., & Warschburger, P. (2026) · Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health · doi:10.1186/s13034-026-01074-9
Chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder and its associated mental health conditions, comorbidities and psychosocial risk predictors
Hamed, S. A., Hamed, E. A., & Fawzy, M. (2026) · World Journal of Clinical Cases · doi:10.12998/wjcc.v14.i15.120217
Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Self‐Compassion, Self‐Criticism, and Emotional Well‐Being in Adults With Mental Health Concerns: A Systematic Review
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The Role of Self-Compassion and Body Perception in Predicting Psychological Safety
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“Self-compassion is relevant in contexts where the assessment of a positive attitude toward oneself is of interest, and in patients who may benefit from developing a compassionate self [22,26–28].”
Selbstmitgefühl als wichtiger Resilienzfaktor im Umgang mit Schmerz
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Internet Attachment–Based Compassion Therapy for Adults With Chronic Medical Conditions: Randomized Controlled Trial
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A Systematic Review of Self-Compassion in Chronic Pain: From Correlation to Efficacy
Lanzaro, C., Carvalho, S. A., Lapa, T. A., Valentim, A., & Gago, B. (2021) · The Spanish Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1017/sjp.2021.22 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Meta-analysis of Self-compassion Interventions for Pain and Psychological Symptoms Among Adults with Chronic Illness
Mistretta, E. G., & Davis, M. C. (2021) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01766-7 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Related Therapies: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
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Self-Compassion and Chronic Medical Conditions
Finlay‐jones, A. L., Boggiss, A. L., & Serlachius, A. S. (2023) · Mindfulness in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22348-8_19 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
The Effect of Self-Compassion on Psychosocial and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Medical Conditions: A Systematic Review
Misurya, I., Misurya, P., & Dutta, A. (2020) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.10998 · Cited by 24 · see citing works

Authors: Kılıç, A., Hudson, J., McCracken, L. M., Ruparelia, R., Fawson, S., & Hughes, L. D.
Affiliations: King's College London (GB)
Uppsala University (SE)
University of Birmingham (GB)
Corresponding author: Hughes, Lyndsay D.
ORCID: Kılıç, Ayşenur
Hudson, Joanna
McCracken, Lance M.
Fawson, Sophie
Hughes, Lyndsay D.
Venue: Behavior Therapy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2021-05
Volume: 52
Issue: 3
Pages: 607-625
ISSN: 0005-7894 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.08.001
OpenAlex: W3048495873
Cited by: 98
References: 69
Citations by year: 2026: 14 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 7
FWCI: 0.85
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
www.elsevier.com/legal/tdmrep-license (tdm)
Locations: Behavior Therapy (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health, psychology, and well-being
Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Keywords: self-compassion, self-compassion interventions, chronic physical illness, compassion-focused therapy, psychological adjustment, depression, pain coping, treatment effectiveness, psychological outcomes
MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Anxiety, Chronic Disease, Empathy, Humans, Mindfulness

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A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Self-Compassion-Related Interventions for Individuals With Chronic Physical Health Conditions

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