Self-compassion and psychological distress in chronic illness: A meta-analysis

Self-compassion is a positive psychological factor linked to improved physical and psychological outcomes across different chronic illness populations. However, the extent to which self-compassion contributes to reduced distress across different conditions or as a function of participant factors is not clear. The current meta-analysis aimed to quantify the association between self-compassion and psychological distress in different chronic illness populations and evaluate the factors that moderate this association.

A systematic search of three electronic databases identified research reporting associations between self-compassion and psychological distress in chronic illness. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between self-compassion and psychological distress. Moderator analyses were conducted for sample characteristics and distress types. A bespoke tool evaluated study quality.

Searches yielded 51 eligible studies with 57 effect sizes. Meta-analysis revealed that self-compassion was negatively associated with psychological distress (r = -.516; 95% CIs [-.55, -.48]; p = .000). Moderator analyses were significant for distress type and chronic illness group, with effects being largest for stress and neurological conditions. Effects did not vary by sex, age or illness duration.

Findings from this first comprehensive investigation of the link between self-compassion and distress in chronic illness highlight the protective role of self-compassion for chronic illness populations. These results lay the foundation for further research into understanding the processes that link self-compassion to lower psychological distress, and that examine the effectiveness of self-compassion interventions in chronic illness populations, to further advance knowledge and inform practice in this area.