Purpose: To clarify what is known and identify research gaps on the role of self-compassion (SC) and potential interventions for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI).
Design and methods: We analyzed 24 studies of SC in schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Findings: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) was the most common intervention. Predicting depression by SC was common in MDD and BD; however, relationships between demographics/clinical variables and SC in BD and schizophrenia spectrum disorder remain unclear.
Practice implications: MBCT increases SC in SMI. Data regarding predictors of SC are limited, especially in schizophrenia.
Keywords: intervention; mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; scoping review; self-compassion; severe mental illness.
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