SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Examining the Influence of Self-compassion Education and Training Upon Parents and Families When Caring for their Children: A Systematic Review
Shwikar Othman1, *, Mary Steen1, 2, Dianne Wepa1, 3, Lois McKellar1, 4
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2022Volume: 15
E-location ID: e187435012210190
Publisher ID: e187435012210190
DOI: 10.2174/18743501-v15-e221020-2022-39
Article History:
Received Date: 12/5/2022Revision Received Date: 21/9/2022
Acceptance Date: 29/9/2022
Electronic publication date: 19/12/2022
Collection year: 2022
open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Background:
It is well-recognized that early parenting significantly influences the health and well-being of children. However, many parents struggle with the daily demands of being a parent and feel overwhelmed and exhausted psychologically and physically. Encouraging self-care practices is essential for parents, and self-compassion may be a potential strategy to utilize.
Objectives:
The review aims to assess the influence and impact of providing self-compassion education for parents and families when caring for their children.
Methods:
This systematic review utilized Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A three-stage search approach was undertaken that included seven electronic databases, registries and websites. These databases are Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Emcare, Cochrane library, Scopus, and ProQuest. The included studies were appraised using the standardized critical appraisal instruments for evidence of effectiveness developed by JBI.
Results:
Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies confirmed improved psychological well-being, and higher levels of self-compassion, kindness towards oneself and others, and mindfulness were reported. In addition, there were improvements in psychological well-being, decreased parental distress and perceived distress, lower levels of 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 parents and families.
PROSPERO registration
This systematic review title is registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42021225021.
