Self-compassion and clinical eating disorder symptoms: a systematic review

ObjectiveThe aim was to conduct a systematic review of the association between self-compassion and eating disorder symptoms and the efficacy of self-compassion interventions in reducing eating disorder symptoms.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted on Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and CINAHL on 29 May 2023. The inclusion criteria were: a) available in English, b) published in a peer-reviewed journal, c) used valid measures of self-compassion and eating disorder symptoms, d) clinical eating disorder populations, and e) treatment with self-compassion intervention components. Exclusion criteria were: unpublished studies, dissertations, or study protocols. Study quality was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists.ResultsThere were 15 studies (n = 991) examining self-compassion and eating disorder symptoms in clinical eating disorder populations, seven of which examined self-compassion interventions (n = 369). Higher self-compassion was associated with lower eating disorder symptoms. There was some evidence for the efficacy of self-compassion interventions in reducing eating disorder symptoms.ConclusionsPreliminary evidence indicates some support for self-compassion interventions; however, further high-quality randomised controlled trials are required with more diverse samples.PROSPERO registration: CRD42020196638.ConclusionsPreliminary evidence indicates some support for self-compassion interventions; however, further high-quality randomised controlled trials are required with more diverse samples.PROSPERO registration: CRD42020196638. What is already known about this topic:(1) Self-compassion has been receiving increasing attention in eating disorders.(2) Previous meta-analyses suggest that self-compassion interventions are efficacious in reducing disordered eating in non-clinical and clinical populations.(3) Self-compassion interventions have some support in reducing clinical eating disorder symptoms.What this paper adds:(1) Self-compassion interventions may be helpful for clinical eating disorders.(2) Interventions focused on self-compassion may be particularly efficacious for women with binge eating disorder.(3) Future research is needed to examine self-compassion interventions in more diverse samples.