Loving-kindness and compassion meditations (LKCM) are practices that involve generating positive attitudes, such as friendliness, compassion, and empathy, towards oneself and others. These meditations aim to cultivate prosocial emotions and reduce negative feelings, ultimately promoting mental well-being and interpersonal relationships.
Cute girl with heart shaped long hair. Self care, love yourself icon or body positive concept. Happy woman hugs her knees.
Key Points
Rationale
Self-compassion, which involves treating oneself with kindness, recognizing common humanity, and maintaining a balanced awareness of suffering, has been associated with numerous psychological benefits such as protecting self-esteem,regulating emotions, and promoting well-being (Miyagawa et al., 2021; Diedrich et al., 2014; Zessin et al., 2015).
Given the growing interest in LKCM and self-compassion in recent years, a comprehensive review of the effects of LKCM interventions on self-compassion was needed to deepen the understanding of their effectiveness and inform future research and practice.
Method
Thissystematic reviewandmeta-analysisfollowed the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted on March 3, 2022, using PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.
Studies were included if they were published in English, focused on LKCM interventions, and measured self-compassion using the Self-Compassion Scale or its modifications.
Exclusion criteria included interventions with few LKCM components, one-time LKCM practice in laboratory settings, practices not considered as LKCM, and measures not based on the Self-Compassion Scale.
Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions.
Effect sizeswere analyzed using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses for categorical moderators and meta-regressions for continuous moderators.
Results
Overall Effects of LKCM on Self-Compassion
The Impact from Components of the Intervention
Impacts of Participant Type
Contribution of Meditation Practice
Mediator and Moderator of Self-Compassion
Insight
This review provides the most comprehensive evidence to date for the effectiveness of LKCM interventions in cultivating self-compassion.
The findings suggest that LKCM can be a valuable tool for promoting self-compassion in various populations, including healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
However, the results also highlight the importance of considering factors such as participant characteristics, control conditions, and the focus of LKCM when designing and implementing interventions.
The nonsignificant but large variations in effect sizes across self-compassion dimensions indicate a need for further research to understand how LKCM impacts specific components of self-compassion.
Future studies should also explore potential mediators and moderators of the effects on self-compassion and investigate the role of self-compassion in mediating other outcomes of LKCM interventions.
Strengths
Limitations
Implications
The results of this review have significant implications for clinical psychology practice and research. The findings support the use of LKCM interventions as an effective means to cultivate self-compassion, which is associated with numerous psychological benefits.
Clinicians can consider incorporating LKCM into their practice, tailoring the interventions based on participant characteristics and treatment goals.
Researchers should further investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of LKCM on self-compassion, explore potential mediators and moderators, and examine the long-term effects of these interventions.
Future studies should also address the limitations identified in this review, such as increasing sample sizes and providing more detailed information about intervention components.
References
Primary reference
Lv, J., Jiang, Y., Li, R., Chen, Y., Gu, X., Zhou, J., Zheng, Y., Yan, L., Chen, Y., Zhang, X., Zhao, X., Luo, W., Lang, Y., Wang, Z., Gao, C., & Zeng, X. (2024). Effects of loving-kindness and compassion meditations on self-compassion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 31(1), 19–35.https://doi.org/10.1037/cps0000177
Other references
Diedrich, A., Grant, M., Hofmann, S. G., Hiller, W., & Berking, M. (2014). Self-compassion as an emotion regulation strategy in major depressive disorder.Behaviour Research and Therapy, 58, 43–51.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2014.05.006
Germer, C., & Neff, K. (2019). Mindful self-compassion (MSC). In I. Ivtzan (Ed.),Handbook of mindfulness-based programmes(pp. 357–367). Routledge.https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315265438
Miyagawa, Y., Niiya, Y., & Taniguchi, J. (2021). Compassionate goals and responses to social rejection: A mediating role of self-compassion.Current Psychology, 42(13), Article 10692.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02345-8
Wilson, A. C., Mackintosh, K., Power, K., & Chan, S. W. (2018). Effectiveness of self-compassion related therapies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Mindfulness, 10(6), 979–995.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-1037-6
Zessin, U., Dickhäuser, O., & Garbade, S. (2015). The relationship between self-compassion and well-being: A meta-analysis.Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 7(3), 340–364.https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12051
Keep Learning
Example LKCM Protocol
LKCM protocols can vary in their specific steps, but here is a general outline of the common elements found in most LKCM practices:
It’s important to note that the specific order, duration, and emphasis on each step may vary depending on the particular LKCM protocol or teacher. Some protocols may also include additional elements, such as forgiveness practices or incorporating mindfulness techniques.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
