Compassion and complex interpersonal trauma in adolescence: An early systematic review

Background: Whilst childhood trauma has been identified as a transdiagnostic risk factor for poly-psychopathology, compassion-focused interventions have emerged as transdiagnostic treatment modality. However, no previous systematic review has specifically explored the relationship between complex interpersonal trauma and compassion in adolescence. The aim of this early systematic review was to evaluate the existing evidence on the role of compassion in adolescents with complex interpersonal trauma.

Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken to identify cross-sectional and intervention studies that examined the role of compassion in the amelioration of psychopathology in adolescence.

Results: Nine studies, including three intervention studies and six cross-sectional studies, met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggested a mediating role of compassion in trauma-specific and overall psychopathology.

Conclusion: Despite the dearth of research, this review suggests that integrating compassion might mediate the relationship between complex trauma and psychopathology in adolescents.