The Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Self‐Compassion and Psychological Outcomes in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review

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Abstract
Self‐compassion has emerged as a protective factor for psychological health and well‐being. Interest has grown in understanding the mechanisms that explain how self‐compassion contributes to improved psychological outcomes. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesise the results of studies that investigated the mediators underlying the relationship between self‐compassion and psychological outcomes. Potential eligible studies were searched on Embase, APA PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science (search up till January 2025). Included were peer‐reviewed, English‐language studies investigating mediators between self‐compassion and psychological outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Mediation Quality Checklist. A total of 113 studies were included, and most were cross‐sectional and focused on psychological symptoms rather than well‐being. Repetitive negative thinking, such as worry and rumination, was the most studied process and found to be significantly mediating self‐compassion and reduced psychological symptoms across studies. There is also growing evidence for experiential avoidance and mindfulness as significant mediators. Limited studies precluded drawing conclusions about other coping strategies, self‐concept, and social factors. This systematic review points toward a significant mediational role of maladaptive (e.g. repetitive negative thinking, experiential avoidance) and adaptive (e.g. mindfulness) emotion regulation and coping strategies, that explain the association of self‐compassion with psychological outcomes. Future studies with more rigorous designs including intensive longitudinal and experimental designs are needed to clarify causality.
Funding Information
  • Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

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