A systematic review of the effectiveness of compassion focused imagery in improving psychological outcomes in clinical and non‐clinical adult populations

Abstract

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.

‘Like I'd been listened to without actually saying words’: Picturing the nurturer in compassion‐focused therapy

“…Pilot studies of CFT (which included imagery exercises) in people with social anxiety suggest benefits in improving self-compassion (Boersma et al, 2015). A recent systematic review conducted by Maner et al (2022) examined the effects of CF imagery from a transdiagnostic perspective and concluded that CF imagery is a promising therapeutic intervention, with most studies on this reporting improvements in psychological outcomes. These findings indicate that CFT is a promising approach to address problems with selfcompassion.…”

“…One explanation for the origin of FBRs is that they link to the individual's attachment history. Indeed, previous research has identified that CF imagery can sometimes induce a threat response, particularly in people who have anxious or avoidant attachment styles (Baldwin et al., 2020; Rockliff et al., 2008) and individuals who are highly self‐critical (Duarte et al., 2015; Maner et al., 2022).…”