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

Abstract

Objective: The 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. Method: A 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 Exclusion criteria were: unpublished studies, dissertations, or study protocols.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. Results: There 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. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence indicates some support for self-compassion interventions; however, further high-quality randomised controlled trials are required with more diverse samples. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020196638.