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A Meta-analysis of Loving-Kindness Meditations on Self-Compassion

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Abstract

Objectives

Accumulating evidence from the last two decades suggests self-compassion is central to psychological well-being and reduced psychopathology symptoms. Loving-kindness meditations (LKMs), a mindfulness practice that involves sending feelings of kindness to oneself, loved ones, and all beings, may increase feelings of self-compassion. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of LKMs on self-compassion in adults.

Methods

Peer-reviewed journal articles and dissertations written in English with adult samples, quantitative analysis of a LKM, and measured self-compassion using the Self-Compassion Scale were included in the meta-analysis. Seven articles met inclusion criteria following a systematic search.

Results

We found a moderate overall effect of LKMs on self-compassion (g = 0.44, p < 0.0001), indicating LKMs are effective at increasing self-compassion in adults.

Conclusions

Self-compassion can be increased in adults using LKMs. Given the role of self-compassion in well-being, future research should test increasing self-compassion as a mechanism of the effect of LKMs on psychological health.

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Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Drs. Sylia Wilson and Megan Gunnar.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, 51 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Emily B. Reilly

  2. Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, 500 Boynton Health Service Bridge, 410 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Corri L. Stuyvenberg

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Contributions

ER: designed and executed the meta-analysis, conducted data analysis, and wrote the paper. CS: collaborated with the coding of papers in the meta-analysis, wrote sections of the discussion, collaborated in editing of the final manuscript. Both authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.

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Correspondence to Emily B. Reilly.

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Reilly, E.B., Stuyvenberg, C.L. A Meta-analysis of Loving-Kindness Meditations on Self-Compassion. Mindfulness 14, 2299–2310 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01972-x

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