Abstract
BACKGROUND: Compassion 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. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review (1) the psychosocial effects of receiving compassion from others, and (2) how recipients interpret these experiences through secular or religious frameworks. METHODS: This 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 .