Characterizing the effects of self-compassion interventions on anxiety: Meta-analytic evidence from randomized controlled studies

Self-compassion interventions may be able to reduce anxiety symptoms. However, the clinical implications of self-compassion interventions remain unclear due to a large variability in treatment protocols. This study was therefore designed to quantify and delineate the effects of self-compassion interventions on anxiety symptoms. Forty-two randomized controlled studies were included through systematic searches. The overall synthesis indicated a moderate effect (42 trials; SMD, −0.73; 95% CI, −0.94 to −0.53; I2 = 88.7%), and this effect could be maintained to as long as six months following treatment (15 trials; SMD, −0.65; 95% CI, −0.86 to −0.44; I2 = 72.6%). Specifically, self-compassion interventions were more efficacious in reducing anxiety in samples with mental disorders compared to these with physical illnesses. In terms of treatment delivery, there was comparable efficacy between Internet-based and face-to-face interventions. There was also a positive relationship between treatment sessions and improvement in anxiety symptoms. In addition, we found that an increased but not baseline self-compassion score was associated with better treatment outcomes. Overall, these findings provide direct implications for the management of anxiety symptoms with self-compassion interventions.