Why you should read this article:

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To understand the concept of mindful self-compassion

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To recognise the importance of mindful self-compassion in relation to reducing stress

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To consider using mindful self-compassion activities to enhance your own well-being

This article details a systematic review that aimed to synthesise and analyse the published research on the effects of mindful self-compassion interventions on stress in nurses. Five studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria and were analysed in terms of sample characteristics, intervention, measurement of self-compassion, additional psychosocial outcome measures, intervention duration and adherence, intervention outcomes and effect size and follow-up.

The review found that mindful self-compassion interventions had medium-to-large effect sizes for self-compassion, traumatic stress, burnout, stress and compassion satisfaction. There was also high intervention adherence (mean=86%) in the included studies. Since these interventions can improve self-compassion and compassion in nurses, they have the potential to enhance the quality of compassionate care provided by nurses who undergo training in mindful self-compassion.