Background Compassion-focused imagery (CFI) is a technique used to facilitate selfcompassion by constructing and exploring imagery of a compassionate ideal. It is commonly used in Compassionate Mind Training, as part of a wider skills training intervention. This review aimed to explore the effectiveness of CFI on psychological outcomes when used as a brief standalone intervention across clinical and non-clinical adult populations. Populationspecific effects were also explored. Methods Following an extensive literature search, twenty studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Quality and risk of bias assessment was completed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Where available, effect sizes were calculated for outcome measures of self-compassion, self-criticism and shame. Study findings were qualitatively synthesized.