Self-Compassion and Psychological Health of Parents: A Meta-Analysis Focused on Some Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Cansu Ozturk, H Senay Guzel
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This random-effects meta-analysis examined quantitative studies of self-compassion and psychological health among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Of 131 records identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Self-compassion had large, negative associations with parental depression and parenting stress, a moderate, negative association with parental anxiety, and a large, positive association with parental well-being. The findings describe relationships rather than evidence that increasing self-compassion causes improved psychological health.
Key findings
- Self-compassion was associated with lower parental depression and parenting stress; both relationships were described as large, negative, and significant.
- The association between self-compassion and parental anxiety was moderate, negative, and significant.
- Self-compassion had a large, positive, and significant association with parental well-being.
Why it matters
Parents of children with NDDs may experience psychological distress and parenting stress. The pooled findings link self-compassion with several aspects of parental psychological health, suggesting it may be relevant when assessing parental well-being. Because the evidence concerns associations, it does not establish that self-compassion interventions will reduce distress or stress.
What to keep in mind
The meta-analysis included 15 quantitative studies, and the reported associations do not establish causality.