Effects of loving-kindness and compassion meditations on self-compassion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Objectives: Loving-kindness and compassion meditations (LKCM) is an important practice to cultivate selfcompassion. This study provides the first systematic review for the effects of LKCM interventions on selfcompassion. Method: Inclusion criteria required studies were published in English, focused on LKCM interventions and measured self-compassion scale as outcomes. Literature search was conducted on March 3, 2022, by searching PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Risk of bias was evaluated following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions. Effect sizes were analyzed with random-effects model. The subgroup analyses are conducted against the categorical moderators and meta-regressions against the continuous ones. A narrative review was recruited to deepen the understanding of the primary outcomes. Results: Meta-analyses included 65 studies and participants involved adults across healthy and clinical samples. The results showed that LKCM interventions effectively cultivate self-compassion (d = 0.56, k = 31, n = 2,823 for randomized controlled trials; d = 0.69, k = 24, n = 1,188 for uncontrolled trials). The effect sizes were significantly impacted by control conditions, participant type, focus of LKCM, and specific protocols. Effect sizes also showed nonsignificant but large variations across six dimensions of self-compassion. Discussion: LKCM interventions could effectively cultivate self-compassion among adults across healthy and clinical samples, but more studies are required to generalize effects to specific clinical samples and adolescents. Public Health Significance StatementThis study supported interventions based on loving-kindness and compassion meditations can effectively cultivate self-compassion. The effects and the best dose of meditation are impacted by health conditions of practitioners and whether the prosocial attitudes in meditations focus on the self or others.

Contemplative science comes of age: Looking backward and forward 20 years after Baer (2003).

“…Small samples provide unreliable estimates of treatment effects and, when coupled with publication bias, can produce biased meta-analytic estimates. Although publication bias was not detected by Lv et al (2023), trim-and-fill analyses can themselves be underpowered particularly in the presence of high heterogeneity (which was certainly true in this case, I 2 = 98.60%). Aside from biased overall effects, small samples also limit one's ability to conduct properly powered tests of mediation and (even more so) tests of moderation within the primary trials.…”

“…Moreover, the broad range of contemplative practices offers strategies to train a variety of mental habits that may serve humanity in the decades to come. This exploration moving forward on firm scientific grounding will require the kind of rigorous inquiry Lv et al (2023) are engaging in. We hope that by responding to the lessons learned from MBI research and embracing the potential futures shared with MBI research, we can collectively maximize the therapeutic potential and minimize the therapeutic risks of contemplative practices for the benefit of all.…”

“…As demonstrated in Lv et al (2023) meta-analysis, great strides have been made in our scientific understanding of LKCM. Indeed, LKCM appears to produce effects at least on self-compassion that are similar (or larger) in magnitude those seen for MBIs on measures of psychological distress: d = 0.81 versus passive controls and d = 0.23 versus active controls.…”

“…Now that the LKCM literature has grown large enough to allow large-scale meta-analyses like that conducted by Lv et al (2023), it seems an opportune time to look toward the MBI literature-looking backward for lessons learned and looking forward for innovations on the horizon-to help guide the younger but no less promising field of LKCM research.…”

Ancient wisdom in the modern world: Loving-kindness and compassion meditations for psychological well-being.

“…Cultivating an inner wellspring of kindness and empathy directed toward oneself has shown promising connections to improved mental well-being, reduced levels of anxiety and depression, enhanced coping strategies, and healthier interpersonal interactions. A recent meta-analysis by Lv et al (2023) specifically examined the effectiveness of loving-kindness and compassion meditations on self-compassion. The results suggest that this practice does indeed have a substantial impact on cultivating self-compassion.…”