American Indian Culture and Research Journal

Objectives: Self-compassion is associated empirically with well-being among Western populations and conceptually with traditional Indigenous wellness concepts of self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity, suggesting self-compassion may be useful when designing mental wellness interventions with Indigenous communities. This systematic review sought to explore how self-compassion relates to well-being within Indigenous communities and the possible mechanisms at work. 

Methods: We completed a thematic analysis of qualitative research with Indigenous youth and adults participating in interventions that promote aspects of self-compassion and outcomes related to well-being. 

Results: A link between self-compassion and well-being was revealed through three themes: connection (new relationships, stronger relationships, and spirituality), enhanced awareness (of mind, body, and environment), and self-empowerment. We discuss parallels among these themes and traditional Indigenous concepts of wellness, including the Mitakuye Oyasin prayer of the Lakota, The Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabe, and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.   

Conclusions: A focus on self-compassion may be useful in promoting well-being among Indigenous individuals and communities. Larger culture-specific and systematic studies on self-compassion, especially with Indigenous youth, are needed. We suggest that a Mi’kmaq Two-Eyed Seeing approach may capture the synergy between Western and Indigenous conceptions of self-compassion as Indigenous communities grapple with urgent mental health and suicide crises.