Self-compassion, self-forgiveness, suicidal ideation, and self-harm: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Mental Health Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Self-compassion is associated with better mental health outcomes and lower emotional distress.
• The precise relationship between self-compassion and self-harm or suicidal ideation requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate existing literature on the relationship between self-compassion and self-harm or suicidal ideation.
• To synthesize findings regarding self-compassion's role in the etiology of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major psychological and medical databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, Medline).
• Included studies focused on self-compassion or self-forgiveness and their association with self-harm or suicidal ideation.
• Eighteen studies were included in a narrative synthesis, predominantly quantitative and cross-sectional.

Main Results:

• All included studies reported a significant inverse relationship between self-compassion/self-forgiveness and self-harm/suicidal ideation.
• Higher levels of self-compassion or self-forgiveness were consistently associated with lower levels of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
• Some evidence suggests self-compassion may buffer the impact of negative life events on self-harm.

Conclusions:

• Self-compassion appears to play a significant role in the development of suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
• Findings underscore the potential clinical and research importance of fostering self-compassion in mental health interventions.
• Further research is warranted to explore causal pathways and intervention effectiveness.