Effect of kindness-based meditation on health and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology June 30, 2014 Julieta Galante, Ignacio Galante, Marie‐jet Bekkers et al. 379 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials found that kindness-based meditation (loving-kindness and compassion meditation) moderately reduces self-reported depression and increases mindfulness, compassion, and self-compassion compared to passive control groups. Positive emotions also increased compared to progressive relaxation. However, results were inconclusive against active controls, and the evidence suffered from low to moderate methodological quality and imprecision due to small studies. Some people may initially find the practice challenging. Overall, kindness-based meditation shows benefits for well-being and social interaction, but larger, well-conducted trials are needed.