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REVIEW ARTICLE

The feasibility and preliminary effects of compassion-based interventions for individuals with acquired brain injury: A scoping review

Trang Thi Thu Nguyen1,2 ,  Fei-Hsiu Hsiao1,3*
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1 School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
2 Bach Mai Medical College, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
3 Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
HPR, 026090054 https://doi.org/10.36922/HPR026090054
Received: 28 February 2026 | Revised: 12 June 2026 | Accepted: 18 June 2026 | Published online: 22 July 2026
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Compassion-based interventions (CBIs) have been adapted for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI), particularly those with cognitive impairments. Nevertheless, evidence regarding their feasibility and effects remains limited. This scoping review aimed to synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence on the feasibility, preliminary effects, and participants’ experiences of CBIs among individuals with ABI. This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Seven databases were searched from inception to March 2025. Data were charted for intervention contents, delivery formats, feasibility, preliminary outcomes, and participants’ subjective experiences. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Most interventions were developed based on compassion-focused therapy, mindful self-compassion, and compassion-focused imagery. One qualitative study used compassion-informed peer support. Interventions were delivered either in multiple sessions or in a single session. Structured, multi-session CBIs adapted for ABI patients’ cognitive difficulties showed potential to improve psychological distress, self-compassion, and positive life attitudes at post-intervention and follow-up. In contrast, brief, single-session CBIs showed limited evidence of benefit. The interventions adapted for ABI-related cognitive difficulties appeared feasible and acceptable. Qualitative findings reflected participants’ experiences of CBIs in alleviating perceptions of life challenges, enhancing well-being and support, and developing self-compassionate attitudes and self-care behaviors. This scoping review indicates the preliminary feasibility and potential benefits of CBIs for individuals with ABI. However, the evidence is still in its early stages, and further large-scale randomized controlled trials and cross-cultural research are required to confirm their effectiveness and generalizability.

Keywords
Compassion
Brain injury
Psychological distress
Self-compassion
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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