Studies and Research

Effectiveness of Self Compassion-Based Interventions on Elderly People: A Literature Review

Published:
2025-12-01
Author
View
Keywords
License

Copyright (c) 2026 Emel Bahadır Yılmaz

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How To Cite
Selected Style: APA
Bahadır Yılmaz, E. (2025). Effectiveness of Self Compassion-Based Interventions on Elderly People: A Literature Review. Hungarian Gerontology, 17(44). https://doi.org/10.47225/mg/17/44/16915
Abstract

This review article is designed to evaluate the impact of self-compassion-based interventions on the physical, psychological, and social health of older adults. Recent studies support that high self-compassion enhances life satisfaction in older adults, strengthens resilience against physical and emotional challenges, and fosters a more positive adaptation to age-related changes. The evidence the impact of self-compassion-based interventions on the health of older adults shows that these approaches help elderly individuals better manage stress, control negative emotions, and reduce symptoms of depression, ultimately fostering greater resilience and life satisfaction. Integrating self-compassion with cognitive-behavioral or motor-based activities amplifies these effects, contributing to improved forgiveness, acceptance, and emotional adjustment. Furthermore, such interventions address important dimensions of mental health, including feelings of loneliness and the ability to form positive relationships, which are especially relevant for older individuals facing health challenges or living in residential care. Collectively, these findings underscore the value of self-compassion-focused programs in supporting successful aging and holistic mental health in later life. Given these findings, integrating self-compassion and mindfulness-based approaches into mental health programs for the elderly can offer valuable benefits.

References
  1. Allen, A. B., Goldwasser, E. R., & Leary, M. R. (2012). Self-Compassion and Well-being among Older Adults. Self Identity, 11(4), 428-453. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2011.595082
  2. Allen, A. B., & Leary, M. R. (2014). Self-compassionate responses to aging. Gerontologist, 54(2), 190-200. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gns204
  3. Bijaeyeh, J. S. A., Majd, M. A., Ghamari, M., & Aghdam, G. F. (2021). The effectiveness of the self-compassion training on life satisfaction and resilience in the elderly women. Aging Psychology, 7(1), 55–67.
  4. Büyükbayram Arslan, A., & Çiçekoğlu Öztürk, P. (2025). The mediating role of self-compassion between quality of life and positive mental health in older adults. Aging Ment Health, 29(8), 1554-1561. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2025.2491036
  5. Farokhzadian, A. A., & Mirderekvand, F. (2018). The Effectiveness of self-compassion focused therapy on increase of psychological well-being and reduction of depression in the elderly. Aging Psychology, 3(4), 293-302.
  6. Herriot, H., & Wrosch, C. (2021). Self-compassion as predictor of daily physical symptoms and chronic illness across older adulthood. Journal of Health Psychology, 27(7), 1697-1709. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053211002326
  7. Kashmari, A., Shahabizadeh, F., & Rad, A. M. (2023). Comparing the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with self-compassion and cognitive motor activities and cognitive motor intervention alone on forgiveness and self-compassion in the elderly. Health, Spirituality and Medical Ethics, 10(2), 93-102. https://doi.org/10.32598/hsmej.10.2.460.1
  8. Kazemi, N., Hejazi, E., Rasolzadeh, V., Mohammadi, S., & Moradi, R. (2020). The effectiveness of self-compassion treatment on loneliness and life expectancy in elderly women. Rooyesh, 8(12), 73-80.
  9. Mohamed Abd-Elsalam Elhgry, G., Diab Abd Elwahab Diab, S., & Elsayed Ibrahim, E. (2020). Effectiveness of self-compassion based intervention on life satisfaction and psychological well-being among older adults. Egyptian Journal of Health Care, 11(1), 1111–1127. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejhc.2020.237900
  10. Moraes, A. A., Quiroga, C. V., Dacroce, L. R. B., & de Lima Argimon, II. (2021). Exploring self-compassion in older adults: A systematic review. Contextos Clínic, 14(1), 333-357. https://doi.org/10.4013/ctc.2021.141.15
  11. Othman, S., Steen, M., & Abdelnasser, N. (2025). Self-compassion education for older adults' mental health and wellbeing: A mixed methods systematic review. Aging Ment Health, 29(7), 1166-1178. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2025.2476653
  12. Perez-Blasco, J., Sales, A., Meléndez, J. C., & Mayordomo, T. (2016). The effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on improving the capacity to adapt to stress situations in elderly people living in the community. Clinical Gerontologist: The Journal of Aging and Mental Health, 39(2), 90–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2015.1120253
  13. Tavares, L. R., Vagos, P., & Xavier, A. (2023). The role of self-compassion in the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults: A scoping review. International Psychogeriatrics, 35(4), 179-192. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610220001222