Self-compassion education for older adults' mental health and wellbeing: a mixed methods systematic review
Date
2025
Authors
Othman, S.
Steen, M.
Abdelnasser, N.
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Journal article
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Aging & Mental Health, 2025; 29(7):1166-1178
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Abstract
Objectives: To assess and explore the influence of self-compassion education for older adults' mental health and wellbeing; and identify facilitators and challenges that may impact providing self-compassion education for older adults' mental health and wellbeing.
Method: A mixed methods systematic review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A three-stage search approach was undertaken that included six electronic databases: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Emcare, Ovid Nursing, Cochrane Library, and grey literature. Quality assessment was conducted via mixed methods appraisal tools. Quantitative data were synthesised into a narrative summary of the characteristics and findings of the influence of self-compassion education for older adults. For the qualitative data, a thematic synthesis was conducted.
Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the included studies reported that self-compassion education for older adults was associated with improved psychological well-being, and higher levels of self-compassion, kindness towards oneself and others, and mindfulness. In addition, participants reported reduced distress, anxiety, and avoidance of negative experiences.
Conclusion: The findings provide evidence to guide further research on developing, designing, facilitating, and evaluating self-compassion education programs and workshops for older adults.
PROSPERO registration: This systematic review is registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022310630.
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Copyright 2025 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)