Compassion-based interventions in Asian communities: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Web-Based Compassion Interventions for Family Caregivers' Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of web-based compassion interventions on the mental well-being of family caregivers.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized controlled trials of web-based compassion intervention for family caregivers.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Proquest were searched from database inception until manuscript submission date. Eligible studies included family caregivers participating in web-based compassionate interventions with reported mental wellness indicators, such as self-compassion. Two independent researchers conducted a literature review, extracted data, and assessed the quality of each study using the risk of bias 2 tool. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to pool the data, followed by subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and Egger's tests.

RESULTS

Of 1095 studies evaluated, 8 randomized controlled trials (encompassing 1978 participants) were included, with 75% exhibiting low risk of bias and high-quality evidence. Meta-analysis results indicated positive effects of web-based compassion interventions on family caregivers' self-compassion [standardized mean difference (SMD), 0.33; 95% CI, 0.08-0.58; P = .009] and mindfulness (SMD, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.03-0.90; P = .04). These interventions also demonstrated a positive impact on reducing stress (SMD, -0.32; 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.04; P = .02) and anxiety (SMD, -0.28; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.09; P = .003). Subgroup analyses highlighted superior self-compassion outcomes for caregivers supporting individuals with mental illness and cancer compared with those caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Interventions lasting ≥8 weeks were the most common and effective.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Web-based compassion interventions benefit family caregivers by enhancing self-compassion, mindfulness, and reducing anxiety and stress. More well-designed studies are suggested for future clinical applications.

Exploring the Cross-cultural Applicability of a Brief Compassionate Mind Training: a Study Comparing Sri Lankan and UK People

Objectives

Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) is a therapeutic approach proven to be effective for reducing distress and increasing well-being in clinical and non-clinical populations. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a short-term, online version of the CMT on compassion, distress, and well-being in a cross-cultural, non-clinical sample of Sri Lankan and UK people.

Method

A randomized controlled trial with pre-, post-measurements, and a 2-week follow-up was conducted using CMT (n = 21 Sri Lankan, n = 73 UK) and wait-list control (n = 17 Sri Lankan, n = 54 UK) groups. The intervention effects were investigated using a series of repeated-measures ANOVAs using intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.

Results

The 2-week CMT was effective in increasing all aspects of compassion in both Sri Lankan and UK people. In addition, some cross-cultural similarities and differences (in the factors affecting compassion) were present in the improvements following CMT between the two countries, which were maintained at a 2-week follow-up.

Conclusion

This study provides promising evidence for the efficacy and cross-cultural applicability of CMT for reducing distress and increasing well-being.