What does this research mean for the field?

Receiving compassion from others positively affects psychological well-being and social interactions, with interpretations influenced by secular or religious frameworks. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To review the psychosocial effects of receiving compassion and how these experiences are interpreted through various frameworks.

February 26, 2026Systematic Reviews0 citationsOpen Access

A protocol for a systematic review of the psychosocial effects of experiencing compassion from others and its interpretation through secular and religious frameworks

CLCarlo Lazzari PCPaul Crawford AAAlison Ashmore

Puntos clave

To review the psychosocial effects of receiving compassion and how these experiences are interpreted through various frameworks.
Follows PRISMA-P guidelines for systematic reviews
Includes empirical studies with adults from diverse settings
Utilizes qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method designs
Assesses risk of bias using various established tools
Synthesizes data using thematic and narrative techniques
Anticipates identifying impacts on psychological well-being and social interactions
Expects to find potential reductions in distress and increases in resilience
Aims to highlight prosocial behaviors linked to receiving compassion

Resumen

Abstract Background Compassion is widely studied as a prosocial motivator with recognized mental health benefits, yet the psychosocial effects of receiving compassion remain underexplored. Interpretive frameworks—whether religious or secular—may influence how individuals perceive and emotionally respond to compassionate acts. Objectives To systematically review (1) the psychosocial effects of receiving compassion from others, and (2) how recipients interpret these experiences through secular or religious frameworks. Methods This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines and is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Eligible studies will be empirical, involving adult participants in any setting, and using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method designs. Studies will be excluded if they focus solely on self-compassion, compassion fatigue, or lack psychological outcome data related to receiving compassion. Information sources include PubMed, Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO), Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool for nonrandomized studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for quasi-experimental and qualitative designs, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for mixed-methods designs. Data synthesis will follow a convergent integrated approach combining thematic and narrative techniques. Where feasible, pooled effect sizes and forest plots will be presented. Discussion This review will explore how receiving compassion—interpreted through secular or religious lenses—affects psychological well-being and social interactions, including potential reductions in distress, increases in resilience, and prosocial behaviors. It aims to develop culturally sensitive and spiritually aware models of compassionate interaction, with relevance for clinical practice, public health ethics, and interdisciplinary education. Systematic review registration PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251107986. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251107986 .

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