ArticleSystematic reviews2026
A protocol for a systematic review of the psychosocial effects of experiencing compassion from others and its interpretation through secular and religious frameworks.
Article in Systematic reviews, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundCompassion 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.
objectivesTo systematically review (1) the psychosocial effects of receiving compassion from others, and (2) how recipients interpret these experiences through secular or religious frameworks.
methodsThis 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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