Cited by 224Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsHealth, psychology, and well-beingHealth and Wellbeing Research

The DOI matches its Crossref record, with a small difference in title or year; 77 of the 79 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Self-compassion, physical health, and health behaviour: a meta-analysis

Phillips, Wendy J., Hine, Donald W.·2021·Health Psychology Review

DOI 10.1080/17437199.2019.1705872

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

This meta-analysis investigated relationships between self-compassion and (1) physical health and (2) health-promoting behaviour in a large pooled sample (N = 29,588) sourced from 94 peer-reviewed articles. As hypothesised, omnibus analyses revealed positive associations between self-compassion and both physical health (r = .18) and health behaviour (r = .26). Moderation analyses using 290 effects found that both associations varied according to health domain, participant age, intervention duration, and self-compassion measure. Self-compassion predicted outcomes in most health domains, with the strongest effects observed on global physical health, functional immunity, composite health behaviour, sleep, and danger avoidance. It did not predict frailty, maladaptive bodily routines, and substance abuse. Multi-session interventions designed to boost self-compassion predicted increased physical health and health behaviour, thereby supporting causal links between self-compassion and health outcomes. The effects of single-session inductions were non-significant. The mean effect of self-compassion on physical health was non-significant for young participants (12.00–19.99) and its effect on health behaviour was weakest among older participants (40.00+). Results support the proposition that self-compassion can promote better physical health. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/17437199.2019.1705872

Cites

77 of 77 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement
PRISMA-P Group, Moher, D., Shamseer, L., Clarke, M., Ghersi, D., Liberati, A., Petticrew, M., Shekelle, P., & Stewart, L. A. (2015) · Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1186/2046-4053-4-1 · Cited by 26,223
Untitled work
(2000) · Cited by 9,198
The Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Self-Compassion
NEFF, K. D. (2003) · Self and Identity · doi:10.1080/15298860309027 · Cited by 6,436 · cited 8×
“Self-compassion has been positively associated with successful aging (Phillips & Ferguson, 2013) and with age (Neff & Vonk, 2009). Metaanalyses that reviewed the predictive associations of self-compassion on psychopathology (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012) and psychological well-being (Zessin et al., 2015) found that age mode…”
BackgroundMethodInfluential
Self-Compassion: An Alternative Conceptualization of a Healthy Attitude Toward Oneself
NEFF, K. (2003) · Self and Identity · doi:10.1080/15298860309032 · Cited by 5,440
The Eating Attitudes Test: psychometric features and clinical correlates
Garner, D. M., Olmsted, M., Bohr, Y., & Garfinkel, P. (1982) · Psychological Medicine · doi:10.1017/s0033291700049163 · Cited by 4,902
Construction and factorial validation of a short form of the Self-Compassion Scale
Raes, F., Pommier, E., Neff, K. D., & Van Gucht, D. (2011) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.702 · Cited by 2,997
Exercise and well-being: A review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity
Penedo, F. J., & Dahn, J. R. (2005) · Current Opinion in Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/00001504-200503000-00013 · Cited by 2,851
A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program
Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2013) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.21923 · Cited by 2,253
Exploring compassion: A meta-analysis of the association between self-compassion and psychopathology
MacBeth, A., & Gumley, A. (2012) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2012.06.003 · Cited by 1,838 · cited 5×
“Taking a compassionate perspective toward oneself in response to adversity has been consistently associated with many and varied indicators of positive psychological functioning and mental health (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012; Zessin, Dickhäuser, & Garbade, 2015).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Is caregiving hazardous to one’s physical health? A meta-analysis
Vitaliano, P. P., Zhang, J., & Scanlan, J. M. (2003) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.129.6.946 · Cited by 1,734

Show all 79 references

Research works printed but not linked: 5

Higgins J. P. T., 2016, Cochrane methods. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 10, 29
Leary, M. R., Terry, M. L., Allen, A. B. & Guadagno, J. (2011). Self-compassionate reactions inventory (Unpublished manuscript). Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Loney P. L., 1998, Chronic Diseases in Canada, 19, 170
Mantzios M., 2017, Frontiers in Psychology, 8
Phillips W. J., 2018, Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, 2, 168

Sorted by citations

Self-compassion: Theory, method, research, and intervention
Neff, K. D. (2023) · Annual Review of Psychology · doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047 · Cited by 931
“The empirical literature strongly supports the link between self-compassion and well-being (Neff et al. 2018a, Phillips & Hine 2021, Zessin et al. 2015).”
BackgroundMethod
Positive psychology in a pandemic: buffering, bolstering, and building mental health
Waters, L., Algoe, S. B., Dutton, J., Emmons, R., Fredrickson, B. L., Heaphy, E., Moskowitz, J. T., Neff, K., Niemiec, R., Pury, C., et al. (2022) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2021.1871945 · Cited by 377
Procrastination and Stress: A Conceptual Review of Why Context Matters
Sirois, F. M. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20065031 · Cited by 126
“Studies have also demonstrated that a tendency to procrastinate is associated with low mindfulness [16] and low self-compassion [22], two qualities that involve appraising challenging events in a less threatening manner and in turn reduce stress [27,28].”
Background
Effectiveness of a One Day Self-Compassion Training for Pediatric Nurses’ Resilience
Long, P., & Christie, L. M. (2021) · Journal of Pediatric Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2021.03.020 · Cited by 91
The Role of Emotion-Related Abilities in the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review
Durosini, I., Triberti, S., Savioni, L., Sebri, V., & Pravettoni, G. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191912704 · Cited by 80
“Yet, it is possible that it is related to positive reframing of negative events; indeed, it is associated with adaptive coping [77,78] and emotional stability [79] and it contributes to predicting health and well-being also in chronic illness contexts [80,81].”
Background
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Self-Compassion: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Wong, M. Y. C., Chung, P., & Leung, K. M. (2020) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-020-01513-4 · Cited by 94
“Firstly, self-compassion was systematically reviewed to be effective in enhancing people’s physical health and health-related behaviour (Phillips and Hine 2019).”
Background
The Compassion Balance: Understanding the Interrelation of Self- and Other-Compassion for Optimal Well-being
Sahdra, B. K., Ciarrochi, J., Fraser, M. I., Yap, K., Haller, E., Hayes, S. C., Hofmann, S. G., & Gloster, A. T. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02187-4 · Cited by 68
Investigating the Influence of Self-Compassion-Focused Interventions on Posttraumatic Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Luo, X., Che, X., Lei, Y., & Li, H. (2021) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01732-3 · Cited by 68
“Self-compassion interventions were demonstrated to be able to improve health behavior, eating pathology, and body image (Phillips & Hine, 2019; Turk & Waller, 2020).”
Background
Self-Compassion Interventions to Target Secondary Traumatic Stress in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Rushforth, A., Durk, M., Rothwell-Blake, G. A. A., Kirkman, A., Ng, F., & Kotera, Y. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20126109 · Cited by 69
“Self-compassion was found to have a strong association with improving wellbeing [20,21] and according to Neff [22], the research appears to be robust.”
Method
A Systematic Review on Mediation Studies of Self-Compassion and Physical Health Outcomes in Non-Clinical Adult Populations
Cha, J. E., Boggiss, A. L., Serlachius, A. S., Cavadino, A., Kirby, J. N., & Consedine, N. S. (2022) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-022-01935-2 · Cited by 38
“Although less intensively researched, studies have indicated that self-compassion may predict key physical health outcomes and health behaviors (Phillips & Hine, 2019; Sirois et al., 2015).”
Background
A Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of self-compassion interventions for changing university students’ positive and negative affect
Póka, T., Fodor, L. A., Barta, A., & Mérő, L. (2023) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-023-04834-4 · Cited by 36
A Bibliometric Review of Self-Compassion Research: Science Mapping the Literature, 1999 to 2020
Swami, V., Andersen, N., & Furnham, A. (2021) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01662-0 · Cited by 25
What Do (and Don’t) We Know About Self-Compassion? Trends and Issues in Theory, Mechanisms, and Outcomes
Jane, E., Serlachius, A. S., Kirby, J. N., & Consedine, N. S. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02222-4 · Cited by 37
“For example, meta-analytic evidence indicates that self-compassion is associated with numerous intrapersonal benefits, including better physical health and behaviors (Phillips & Hine, 2021) and psychological well-being (Zessin et al., 2015) as well as lower psychopathology (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012).”
Background
Gender differences in the longitudinal association between cumulative ecological risk and smartphone dependence among early adolescents: A parallel mediation model
Xiong, S., Yi, X., Zhang, B., & Chen, Y. (2023) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2023.108044 · Cited by 26
Self-Compassion is Associated with Improved Well-Being and Healthier Cortisol Profiles in Undergraduate Students
Cowand, A., Amarsaikhan, U., Ricks, R. F., Cash, E. D., & Sephton, S. E. (2024) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-024-02383-w · Cited by 40
“This finding contrasts with results from a recent meta-analysis (Phillips & Hine, 2021) which found only a small correlation between self-compassion and stress hormones.”
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
“A study by Philips and Hine underlined the importance of a multisession self-compassion intervention to impact self-management behaviors, improve psychological outcomes, and enhance physical health [46].”
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 32
The Effects of Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem Writing Interventions on Women’s Valuation of Weight Management Goals, Body Appreciation, and Eating Behaviors
Barbeau, K., Guertin, C., Boileau, K., & Pelletier, L. G. (2021) · Psychology of Women Quarterly · doi:10.1177/03616843211013465 · Cited by 26
“…self-compassion interventions may outperform those employing a single session on improving health behaviors and overall physical health (Phillips & Hine, 2019); therefore, it is imperative to examine whether multisession body-focused self-compassion interventions yield more benefits on…”
Method
Physical and psychological correlates of self and body compassion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Niekerk, L. M. V., Bromfield, H., & Matthewson, M. L. (2021) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/13591053211059390 · Cited by 22
“A recent meta-analysis investigating the relationship between self-compassion, physical health and health behaviours (94 peer-reviewed articles, N = 29, 5558 pooled sample) indicated that although self-compassion has been conceptualised in several ways since Neff’s (2003a) model, much of the research in this domain ha…”
BackgroundMethodInfluential
Benefits of group compassion-focused therapy for treatment-resistant depression: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Asano, K., Tsuchiya, M., Okamoto, Y., Ohtani, T., Sensui, T., Masuyama, A., Isato, A., Shoji, M., Shiraishi, T., Shimizu, E., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.903842 · Cited by 17
“, 2015), physical health and health behavior (Liao et al., 2021; Phillips and Hine, 2021), physical activity (Wong et al.”
Background
Resilience in the Ranks: Trait Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Buffer the Deleterious Effects of Envy on Mental Health Symptoms among Public Safety Personnel
Beshai, S., Mishra, S., Feeney, J. R., Summerfield, T., Hembroff, C. C., & Krätzig, G. P. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19105926 · Cited by 30
“Similarly, self-compassion has been robustly associated with reduced symptoms of several psychopathologies [20]; higher metrics of well-being [21]; and even with better physical health and health behaviors [22].”
Background
Mindful self-compassion program based on Watson's theory of human caring in nursing students: A randomized controlled study
Bidik, G., & Şişman, F. N. (2024) · Archives of Psychiatric Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2024.04.003 · Cited by 21
“The literature suggests that individuals with high self-compassion are more likely to engage in health-protective and enhancing behaviors to improve their physical health (Phillips & Hine, 2021; Sirois & Hirsch, 2018).”
Background
The relationship between internet gaming disorder, sleeping quality, self-compassion, physical activity participation and psychological distress: A path analysis
Wong, M. Y. C., Yuan, G. F., Liu, C., Lam, S. K. K., & Fung, H. W. (2024) · Cambridge Prisms Global Mental Health · doi:10.1017/gmh.2024.36 · Cited by 24
Self-Compassion and Compassion for Others: A Multiple Mediation Study of Personal Values
Jane, E., Serlachius, A. S., Cavadino, A., Kirby, J. N., & Consedine, N. S. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02202-8 · Cited by 24
“…so far include (but are not limited to) better mental health and psychosocial well-being (Zessin et al., 2015), reductions in common psychopathology (Kirby et al., 2017; MacBeth & Gumley, 2012), and better physical health and behaviors (Cha et al., 2022; Phillips & Hine, 2019; Sirois et al., 2015).”
Background
Mediating Effects of Resilience Between Mindfulness, Self-compassion, and Psychological Distress in a Longitudinal Study
Ueno, Y., & Amemiya, R. (2024) · Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1007/s10942-024-00553-2 · Cited by 20
“In this study, we take into account the uniqueness of each variable (e.g., Phillips & Hine, 2021; Sala et al., 2020) and examine two mediating pathways based on each variable.”
Self-Compassion Buffers the Psychological Distress from Perceived Discrimination Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Emerging Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Li, Q., Wu, J., & Wu, Q. (2022) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01810-6 · Cited by 19
Contemplative Practices Behavior Is Positively Associated with Well-Being in Three Global Multi-Regional Stanford WELL for Life Cohorts
Rich, T., Chrisinger, B. W., Kaimal, R., Winter, S. J., Hedlin, H., Yan, M., Zhao, X., Zhu, S., You, S., Sun, C., et al. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph192013485 · Cited by 20
Body Positivity and Self-Compassion on a Publicly Available Behavior Change Weight Management Program
McCallum, M., Ho, A. S., May, C. N., Behr, H., Mitchell, E. S., & Michealides, A. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph182413358 · Cited by 20
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
The role of protective psychological factors, self‐care behaviors, and HbA1c in young adults with type 1 diabetes
Loseby, P., Schache, K., Cavadino, A., Young, S., Hofman, P. L., & Serlachius, A. S. (2021) · Pediatric Diabetes · doi:10.1111/pedi.13306 · Cited by 20
How do dispositional mindfulness and self-compassion alleviate loneliness? The mediating role of rejection sensitivity
Xie, Q., Manova, V., & Khoury, B. (2022) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-022-03549-2 · Cited by 15
The Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales for Self and Others: Turkish Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability Study
Arı, E., Soysal, G. C., Basran, J. K., & Gilbert, P. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780077 · Cited by 14
Is a female physical empowerment campaign effective in improving positive body image, motivation for physical activity, and physical activity behavior in young female adults? A two-study experimental test of “This Girl Can”
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani, C., Litster, J., Casale, R. D., & Stenling, A. (2022) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.06.001 · Cited by 15
Self-compassion as predictor of daily physical symptoms and chronic illness across older adulthood
Herriot, H., & Wrosch, C. (2021) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/13591053211002326 · Cited by 13
“Consistent with this possibility, a meta-analysis has demonstrated that the association between self-compassion and health behaviors is reduced as individuals age (Phillips and Hine, 2019).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Additive and interactive associations among body appreciation, self-compassion, and gender in understanding college students' health behaviors.
August, K. J., Malik, D., Markey, C. H., Woods, K. N., & Gerwitz, G. C. (2023) · Body image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101634 · Cited by 12
Not All Injuries Are the Same: Different Patterns in Sports Injuries and Their Psychosocial Correlates
Werner, T., Michel‐Kröhler, A., Berti, S., & Wessa, M. (2023) · Sports · doi:10.3390/sports11120237 · Cited by 15
“Further, coping resources such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-efﬁcacy received more attention in the past years as their inﬂuence on stress and health has been shown in the general and working population [47–50].”
Background
Effects of self-compassion on aggression and its psychological mechanism through perceived stress
Guan, F., Zhan, C., Li, S. X., Tong, S., & Peng, K. (2024) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-024-02191-w · Cited by 16
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 18
“…well-being, positive affect, life satisfaction) and may be a protective factor in face of distress and mental health problems (Han & Kim, 2023; Macbeth & Gumley, 2012; Zessin et al., 2015), as well as physical health and health-related conditions (K ı l ı c¸ et al., 2021; Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
Do Meditation, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Impact Utilitarian Moral Judgment?
Paruzel‐Czachura, M., & Kocur, D. J. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02161-0 · Cited by 15
Compassion for others and well-being: a meta-analysis
Zhuniq, M., Winter, F., & Aguilar‐Raab, C. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-23460-7 · Cited by 30
Self-Compassion as a Mediator of the Relationship between Adult Women’s Attachment and Intuitive Eating
Carbonneau, N., Cantin, M., Barbeau, K., Lavigne, G. L., & Lussier, Y. (2021) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu13093124 · Cited by 13
“Self-compassion has been identified as a resilience factor given its positive associations with a host of psychological and physical health outcomes [43,44].”
Background
It helps to be funny or compassionate: An exploration of user experiences and evaluation of social media micro-intervention designs for protecting body image
Davies, B., Turner, M., & Udell, J. E. (2023) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2023.107999 · Cited by 12
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
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
“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).”
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for elementary school teachers: a randomized controlled trial
Lensen, J. H., Stoltz, S. E. M. J., Kleinjan, M., Kraiss, J. T., Scholte, R. H. J., & Speckens, A. E. M. (2024) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2024.1385375 · Cited by 17
Heterogeneous patterns of problematic smartphone use and depressive symptoms among college students: understanding the role of self-compassion
Zhang, J., & Wang, E. (2024) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-024-06249-1 · Cited by 12
“Therefore, they are able to regulate threat-oriented emotions and generate adaptive coping when faced with stressful events (Chishima et al., 2018), and ultimately decrease maladaptive behaviors (Phillips & Hine, 2021 ) and relieve psychological distress (Marsh et al., 2018).”
Good times, bad times: A closer look at the relationship between savoring and self-compassion
Schellenberg, B. J. I., Semenchuk, B. N., Bailis, D. S., Strachan, S. M., & Quach, A. (2022) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2022.111807 · Cited by 11
Investigating the effects and efficacy of self-compassion intervention on generalized anxiety disorders
Luo, X., Shen, Y., Sun, L., Qi, X., Hong, J., Wang, Y., Che, X., & Lei, Y. (2024) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.117 · Cited by 10
Effectiveness and implementation of an online intervention (MINDxYOU) for reducing stress and promote mental health among healthcare workers in Spain: a study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial
López-del-Hoyo, Y., Fernández-Martínez, S., Pérez-Aranda, A., Barceló-Soler, A., Guzman-Parra, J., Varela-Moreno, E., Campos, D., Monreal-Bartolomé, A., Beltrán-Ruiz, M., Moreno-Küstner, B., et al. (2022) · BMC Nursing · doi:10.1186/s12912-022-01089-5 · Cited by 9
Psychometric Properties of Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form in a Turkish Young Adult Sample
Yıldırım, F. B., Onaylı, S., & Taşkesen, N. (2023) · Sakarya Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi · doi:10.53629/sakaefd.1241066 · Cited by 10
Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for distress, emotion regulation, and self-compassion in patients with cardiovascular disease: a randomized clinical trial
Fattahi, A., Mazini, F., Jaberghaderi, N., Rajabi, F., Derakhshani, M., & Laki, M. (2023) · Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy · doi:10.47626/2237-6089-2023-0685 · Cited by 10
“15 Therefore, there is an urgent need to pay special attention to this factor in cardiovascular patients.”
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 11
“Self-compassion has recently been demonstrated as a protective factor for various dimensions of well-being (Phillips & Hine, 2021; Zessin et al., 2015), while lack of self-compassion was regarded as a risk factor for distress and psychopathology (Marsh et al., 2018).”
Does emotion regulation mediate the relationship between self-compassion and subjective well-being? A cross-sectional study of adults living in the United States
Ericson, S. M., Gallagher, J. P., Federico, A. J., Fleming, J. J., Froggatt, D., Eleid, A., Finn, B. M., Johnston, K. L., & Cai, R. Y. (2023) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/13591053231209668 · Cited by 10
“…has numerous health benefits, including decreased levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-harm, increased positive well-being, and improved overall physical health, sleep quality, and immunity (Brown et al., 2021; Cleare et al., 2019; MacBeth and Gumley, 2012; Phillips and Hine, 2021).”
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
Effect of Parenting Style, attachment to parents and self-compassion on the occurrence and recovery motivation for non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents
Liu, P., Liu, J., Li, Y., & Lu, J. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1408396 · Cited by 9
Gentle gloves: The importance of self‐compassion for mental health nurses during COVID‐19
Gerace, A. (2021) · International Journal of Mental Health Nursing · doi:10.1111/inm.12934 · Cited by 11
Self-compassion, Stress, and Eating Behaviour: Exploring the Effects of Self-compassion on Dietary Choice and Food Craving After Laboratory-Induced Stress
Brenton-Peters, J., Consedine, N. S., Roy, R., Cavadino, A., & Serlachius, A. S. (2022) · International Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12529-022-10110-9 · Cited by 11
“Single session SC interventions are less likely to significantly increase SC [9].”
BackgroundResultInfluential
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the lived experiences of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden
Huntley, R., & Bratt, A. S. (2022) · Nordic Psychology · doi:10.1080/19012276.2022.2026810 · Cited by 9
“Self-compassion, that is being compassionate and understanding towards oneself, is, for older adults, associated with physical health and salutogenic behaviours (Phillips & Ferguson, 2013; Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
Background
How a Process-Based Idionomic Approach Changes our Understanding of Mindfulness as a Method and ProcessPreprint
Hayes, S. C., Sahdra, B. K., Ciarrochi, J., Hofmann, S. G., & Sanford, B. (2024) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/xkcs6 · Cited by 9
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 11
“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).”
Self-Compassion Mediates the Associations of Mindfulness with Physical, Psychological, and Occupational Well-Being Among Chinese Kindergarten Teachers
Leung, T. Y., Lam, C. B., & Chung, K. K. H. (2024) · Early Childhood Education Journal · doi:10.1007/s10643-024-01819-1 · Cited by 8
“Indeed, a recent meta-analysis has documented significant associa - tions of self-compassion with fewer physical symptoms, improved pain management, better physical fitness, and more health-promoting behaviors (Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
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
Effects of Self-compassion on Diurnal Cortisol Pattern via Positive Affect in Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Ho, R., Fong, T. C. T., & Wan, A. H. Y. (2022) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01786-3 · Cited by 8
“Indeed, a recent meta-analysis (Phillips & Hine, 2021) only found a weak correlation (r = 0.14) between self-compassion and stress hormones.”
BackgroundInfluential
When the night is too short. Bedtime procrastination, self-compassion, and sleep in a daily diary study
Rapoport, O., Ruppenthal, L., Möcklinghoff, S., Merz, S., & Neidhardt, E. (2024) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2023.2297794 · Cited by 6
“According to the meta-analysis conducted by Phillips and Hine (2021), self-compassion exhibited the highest correlation with sleep compared to other health behaviours.”
Randomised controlled pilot trial of the EndoSMS supportive text message intervention for individuals with endometriosis: Feasibility and acceptability results
Sherman, K. A., Pehlivan, M., Pereira, C., Hawkey, A., Singleton, A. C., Redfern, J., Armour, M., Duckworth, T. J., Ciccia, D., Dear, B. F., et al. (2024) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111929 · Cited by 8
Engagement With Meditation Apps: Cross-Sectional Survey of Use and Associations
Adams, J., Davies, J. N., Wattanatakulchat, P., Galante, J., Miller, F., D’Alfonso, S., & Dam, N. T. V. (2025) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/71960 · Cited by 4
“Self-compassion and self-efficacy have also been found to be positively associated with engagement in behavior change [47,48].”
Compassion Focused Therapy for Groups: Transdiagnostic Treatment for Turbulent Times
Erekson, D. M., Griner, D., & Beecher, M. E. (2024) · International Journal of Group Psychotherapy · doi:10.1080/00207284.2024.2314278 · Cited by 9
“…results indicate that while the initial evidence-base for CFT is promising for clients from numerous backgrounds (e.g., Craig et al., 2020; DiBello et al., 2020; Kirby, Tellegen, et al., 2017; Millard et al., 2023; Phillips & Hine, 2021), there remain both clinical and research limitations.”
Background
Long-term impact of self-compassion training with core stability exercise on patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial
Zheng, F., Liu, S., Yin, Q., Zheng, Y., Yang, J., Huang, H., Chen, L., Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Wang, C. (2024) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111678 · Cited by 6
Self-Compassion, Stressor Exposure, and Negative Affect: A Daily Diary Study of Older Adults
Scott, J. E. T., Mazzucchelli, T. G., Luszcz, M. A., WALKER, R. B., & Windsor, T. D. (2024) · The Journals of Gerontology Series B · doi:10.1093/geronb/gbae101 · Cited by 8
Self-Compassion and Reactions to a Recalled Exercise Lapse: The Moderating Role of Gender-Role Schemas
Signore, A., Semenchuk, B. N., & Strachan, S. M. (2021) · Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology · doi:10.1123/jsep.2020-0300 · Cited by 7
Compassionate Discourses: A Qualitative Study Exploring How Compassion Can Transform Healthcare for 2SLGBTQ+ People
Joy, P. R., Thomas, A., & Aston, M. L. (2022) · Qualitative Health Research · doi:10.1177/10497323221110701 · Cited by 11
A brief self-compassionate reflective writing task can manage negative reactions following an eating transgression
Moffitt, R. L., Neumann, D. L., Gersh, H. E., & van Poppel, E. J. (2023) · Australian Psychologist · doi:10.1080/00050067.2023.2183109 · Cited by 6
Self-Compassion, Other-Compassion, and Subjective Sleep Quality Indicators in a Clinical Population: An Experience Sampling Study
Fraser, M. I., Efthymiou, A., Adamski, D., Ciarrochi, J., Gloster, A. T., & Sahdra, B. K. (2025) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-025-02647-z · Cited by 5
“…established that other-compassion (Klimecki et al., 2012) and self-compassion (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012) are linked to improved physical and mental well-being indices (Ferrari et al., 2019; Hofman & Sirois, 2017; Kirby et al., 2017; Millard et al., 2023; Neff & Germer, 2017; Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
The Independent, Joint, and Additive Associations of Physical Activity and Self-Compassion on Depression Symptoms Among Chinese College Students
Huang, L., Liang, K., Chen, S., Ren, Y., Zhu, Y., & Chi, X. (2021) · Risk Management and Healthcare Policy · doi:10.2147/rmhp.s336709 · Cited by 7
“Studies across age and populations showed that SC could strongly affect overall well-being.(61,62) The potential effect of SC may also be explained from physiological and psychological perspectives.”
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
Backdraft in Self-Compassion: An Overlooked Yet Vital Research Focus
Cai, R. Y. (2024) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-024-02324-7 · Cited by 7
Applying a process-based therapy approach to compassion focused therapy: A synergetic alliance
Fraser, M. I., & Gregory, K. (2024) · Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science · doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100754 · Cited by 11
Adverse childhood experiences, adult emotional eating, and the role of self-compassion
Hong, A. E., Ehmann, M. M., Chwyl, C., & Hagerman, C. J. (2025) · Eating Behaviors · doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2025.101978 · Cited by 5
AUTORREGULACIÓN Y AUTOCOMPASIÓN EN CONDUCTAS PROMOTORAS DE SALUD Y DE RIESGO EN ESTUDIANTES UNIVERSITARIOS
Nazar, G., Arteaga-Marín, M. J., Irrázabal-Medina, B., Martínez-Matamala, S., Oñate-Salinas, V., Pinot-Aravena, D., Schade-Villagrán, C., & Bustos, C. (2022) · Ciencia y enfermería/Ciencia y enfermería · doi:10.29393/ce28-1aagc80001 · Cited by 9
Experience-sampling methods for self-compassion research: A meta-analysis
Fraser, M. I., Yap, K., Sahdra, B. K., Li, W., Andreacchio, M. T., Wong, T. Y., & Ciarrochi, J. (2025) · Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science · doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2025.100913 · Cited by 5
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 7
Positive psychology approaches to alleviating foreign language classroom anxiety among university students: insights from self-efficacy, flow, and self-compassion
Jia, F., Li, Y., Yang, Z., Wang, S., & Mao, Y. (2026) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-026-04256-4 · Cited by 5
Outcome Expectations on Physical Activity: The Roles of Body Appreciation and Health Status
Wang, N., Guan, Q., Yin, Z., Zhou, S., & Zhou, W. (2025) · Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.3390/bs15030394 · Cited by 7
“Considerable research has emphasized the constructive role of body appreciation in fostering engagement in health behaviors, particularly physical activity (August et al., 2023; Cox et al., 2019; Nolen & Panisch, 2022; Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
Self‐Compassion Mediates the Longitudinal Associations of Perceived Social Support With Individual Adjustment Among Chinese Parents of Kindergarten‐Aged Children
Bi, S., Lam, C. B., & Chung, K. K. H. (2025) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.70068 · Cited by 5
“Finally, a meta‐analytic review showed that higher self‐compassion was associated with fewer physical symptoms, enhanced pain management, improved physical fitness, and increased engagement in health‐promoting behaviours, particularly among adults aged 20 years or above (Phillips and Hine 2021).”
Latent profile analysis and influence factors of self-compassion among colorectal cancer patients with enterostomy from China: a cross-sectional study
Hu, H., Dou, W., Qian, M., & Wang, Y. (2025) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-097955 · Cited by 4
“Explain how these variables were measured and categorized, and the rationale for choosing specific variables for analysis.”
Engaging patient and community stakeholders in the optimization of the Compassionate And Loving Mindset towards heart health risk (CALM Hearts) physical activity intervention: a description of initial work and protocol for future engagement activities
Chudyk, A. M., Kullman, S. M., Pool, D., Duhamel, T. A., Ashe, M. C., & Strachan, S. M. (2024) · Research Involvement and Engagement · doi:10.1186/s40900-024-00577-z · Cited by 4
Resilience and Self-Compassion: Shields Against Age-Related Declines in Oral Health and Shame
Tsironis, C., Tatsis, F., Konstanti, Z., Mentis, M. N., Stolakis, K., Kotsia, V., Mantzoukas, S., Dragioti, E., & Gouva, M. (2024) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.66565 · Cited by 5
“These findings align with previous research highlighting the positive impact of psychological resources on health outcomes [13,81,82], emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches addressing both physical and psychological aspects of well-being in promoting overall health and resilience among…”
Result
How Self-Compassion Components Develop in Adolescents? Evidence from Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis with Gender Considerations
Zhao, T., Yang, Y., & Cui, L. (2024) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-024-10355-4 · Cited by 5
“In addition, some studies found the function of self-compassion to promote physical health (e.g., better sleep quality) in adolescent group (Breines et al., 2014; Butz & Stahlberg, 2020; Hall et al., 2013; Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
A pilot evaluation of the acceptability and feasibility of, and preliminary outcomes from, the Embrace Kids Classroom Program among Australian pre-adolescents
Granfield, P., Kemps, E., Johnson, C., Seekis, V., & Prichard, I. J. (2024) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101821 · Cited by 5
A meta‐analysis of self‐compassion and attachment in adults
Hill, C., Vasiliou, V. S., Sirois, F. M., Hughes, O., & Thompson, A. R. (2025) · Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice · doi:10.1111/papt.12590 · Cited by 7
“The findings also align with the relevant theory explaining how attachment dimensions can impact the use of self-compassion (Neff, 2003a; Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
Emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between self-compassion and social anxiety: a meta-analytic structural equation modeling study
Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., Li, X., Yi, L., & Zhang, J. (2025) · Anxiety Stress & Coping · doi:10.1080/10615806.2025.2548254 · Cited by 3
“Similar associations have been documented between SC and well-being: Zessin et al. (2015) reported effect sizes ranging from r = 0.39–0.62 across different dimensions, and Phillips and Hine (2021) demonstrated a significant relationship with physical wellbeing (r = 0.18, 95% CI [0.13, 0.23]).”
Influential
Trait self-compassion, daily stress and eating behaviours: a daily diary study
Liu, J., Conner, M. T., & O'Connor, D. B. (2025) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2025.2575070 · Cited by 5
Improvements in self-compassion after an online program for adults with celiac disease: Findings from the POWER-C study
Dowd, A. J., Tang, K. T. Y., Chen, M. Y., Jung, M. E., Mosewich, A. D., Welstead, L. A., & Culos-Reed, S. N. (2022) · Self and Identity · doi:10.1080/15298868.2022.2074091 · Cited by 3
“Indeed, self-compassion predicts better medical adherence (Sirois & Hirsch, 2019) and promotes better physical health and health behaviors (Phillips & Hine, 2021).”
Background
The gendered impact of Covid-19 on health behaviours and mental health: Evidence from the UK
Arulsamy, K., McNamee, P., & Mendolia, S. (2024) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117565 · Cited by 3
A Cross-Lagged Longitudinal Model of the Relationships Between Self-Compassion, Spiritual Well-Being, and Burnout Among Taiwanese Clergy
Lee, H.-C., & Fung, J. J. (2024) · Journal of Psychology and Theology · doi:10.1177/00916471241300156 · Cited by 3
“A large body of research has found that self-compassion has a robust effect on physical (Phillips & Hine, 2019) and mental health, including lower depression, anxiety, and stress (Brenner et al., 2017; Costa et al., 2016; Muris & Petrocchi, 2016), maladaptive perfectionism (Mehr & Adams, 2016), and…”
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
“The finding may indicate that self-compassion fosters a general sense of well-being initially, rather than producing immediate changes in specific areas [53].”
Sanat Terapisi Programının Ergenlerin Öz Şefkat, Duygusal ve Psikolojik İyi Oluş Düzeylerine Etkisi
Delikan, S., Sayar, G. H., & Demir, V. (2025) · Ege Eğitim Dergisi · doi:10.12984/egeefd.1520084 · Cited by 3
A Triadic Pathway Model of Self-Compassion and Health
Sirois, F. M. (2023) · Mindfulness in behavioral health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22348-8_18 · Cited by 3
Advancing psychological assessment: quantifying self-compassion through free-text responses and language model BERT
Okano, H., Kawahara, D., & Nomura, M. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-02801-6 · Cited by 3
“This result would be consistent with previous meta-analyses showing that self-compassion, as measured by the SCS, is associated with adaptive coping 45 and health-promoting behaviors 46 .”
Self-Compassion isn’t Always Easy: Helping Autistic Adults Navigate Difficult Responses to Self-Compassion Practices
Cai, R. Y., & Galvin, J. (2025) · Neurodiversity · doi:10.1177/27546330251334425 · Cited by 4
“Furthermore, self-compassion predicts physical health, speci ﬁ cally in global physical health, functional immunity, composite health behavior, sleep, and danger avoidance (Phillips & Hine, 2021).”

Authors: Phillips, W. J., & Hine, D. W.
Affiliations: University of New England (AU)
Corresponding author: Phillips, Wendy J.
ORCID: Phillips, Wendy J.
Hine, Donald W.
Venue: Health Psychology Review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2019-12-22
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: 113-139
ISSN: 1743-7199 (ISSN-L)
1743-7202
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2019.1705872
OpenAlex: W2995869527
Cited by: 224
References: 79
Citations by year: 2026: 37 · 2025: 44 · 2024: 58 · 2023: 38 · 2022: 29 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 2
FWCI: 1.82
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Health Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
RUNE (Research UNE) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health, psychology, and well-being
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health and Wellbeing Research
Keywords: self-compassion, physical health, health behavior, health-promoting behaviours, functional immunity, sleep, danger avoidance, frailty, substance abuse, self-compassion interventions, age differences
MeSH terms: Empathy, Humans, Health Behavior

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Self-compassion, physical health, and health behaviour: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks