Efectiveness of compassion‑based interventions for reducing stress in workers: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives With the increasing interest in compassion-based interventions for reducing stress, this systematic review aimed to assess their effectiveness in the workers. Method A comprehensive search across four databases (PsycARTICLES, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) on May 22, 2023, yielded 5,521 articles initially identified. Results After screening and applying inclusion criteria, 19 studies published between 2017 and 2023 were reviewed. The population included healthcare professionals (74%), educators (16%), and other worker groups (10%). The interventions studied included Compassionate Mind Training, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, Compassion Cultivation Training, Cognitively Based Compassion Training, and other adapted interventions. The studies reported significant reductions in stress and burnout, with most interventions delivered weekly over multiple sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were standard, and 60% of the studies included follow-ups. Both in-person and web-based interventions demonstrated effectiveness in stress reduction, particularly for healthcare workers. Conclusions This review highlights the promise of compassion-based interventions in reducing workplace stress and the need for continued research, particularly through randomized controlled trials and research with diverse populations, to better understand and validate their long-term impact.