Self-Compassion, Physical Activity, and Psychological Antecedents of Physical Activity: A Scoping Review of Quantitative Research

Despite the promising link between self-compassion and health behaviors, less is known about the relationship between self-compassion and physical activity (PA) performed for health (e.g., exercise) or psychological constructs that could plausibly mediate this relationship. This scoping review maps research examining the relationship between self-compassion, PA, and psychological antecedents of PA. A peer-reviewed search strategy was run through OVID MEDLINE(R) and APA PsycInfo in 2020, 2021, and 2023. We hand searched the https://selfcompassion.org repository and the reference lists of included studies and nine subject-relevant reviews. Eligible studies used any quantitative design, were published in English after 2003, and examined self-compassion in the context of PA or PA-related self-regulation, affect, motivation, or self-efficacy among participants aged 10 years or older. Studies examining sport and athletics were excluded. Article screening was conducted independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. Data extraction was divided evenly between the two reviewers. The search yielded 4,612 articles. After screening, N = 43 independent samples (n = 27 cross-sectional, n = 6 prospective, n = 4 randomized trials, n = 4 nonrandomized trials, n = 2 single-session experiments) were included representing 18,478 participants. Consistent support was found for the relationship between self-compassion and PA-related self-regulation, affect, motivation, and self-efficacy. Inconsistent support was found for the association between self-compassion and PA behavior. Insufficient evidence was available to determine whether self-compassion can be intervened upon to increase PA. Our findings suggest that self-compassion may support psychological variables that contribute to PA engagement or maintenance. Five recommendations for future intervention development are provided.