The role of self-compassion in chronic illness care

Objective: To present current research and theory on the potential of self-compassion as a clinical concept for improving health-related outcomes in chronic illness, and make recommendations for the application of self-compassion interventions in clinical care to improve well-being and facilitate self-management of health for this group. Methods: Narrative review of the literature. Results: Current theory indicates that the self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness components of self-compassion can foster adaptive responses to the perceived setbacks and shortcomings that people experience in the context of living with a chronic illness. Research on self-compassion in relation to health has been examined primarily within non-medical populations. Cross-sectional and experimental studies have demonstrated clear links between self-compassion and lower levels of both perceived stress and physiological indictors of stress. A growing evidence base also indicates that self-compassion is associated with more frequent practice of health-promoting behaviours in healthy populations. Research on self-compassion with chronic illness populations is limited, but has demonstrated cross-sectional links to adaptive coping, lower stress and distress, and the practice of important health behaviours. There are several interventions for increasing self-compassion in clinical settings, with limited data suggesting beneficial effects for clinical populations. Conclusion: Self-compassion holds promise as an important quality to cultivate to enhance health-related outcomes in those with chronic health conditions. Further systematic and rigorous research evaluating the effectiveness of self-compassion interventions in chronic illness populations is warranted to fully understand the role of this quality for chronic illness care.