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Enhancing Compassion: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Compassion Cultivation Training Program
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Psychosocial interventions often aim to alleviate negative emotional states. However, there is growing interest in cultivating positive emotional states and qualities. One particular target is compassion, but it is not yet clear whether compassion can be trained. A community sample of 100 adults were randomly assigned to a 9-week compassion cultivation training (CCT) program (n = 60) or a waitlist control condition (n = 40). Before and after this 9-week period, participants completed self-report inventories that measured compassion for others, receiving compassion from others, and self-compassion. Compared to the waitlist control condition, CCT resulted in significant improvements in all three domains of compassion—compassion for others, receiving compassion from others, and self-compassion. The amount of formal meditation practiced during CCT was associated with increased compassion for others. Specific domains of compassion can be intentionally cultivated in a training program. These findings may have important implications for mental health and well-being.
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... Compassion training was found to be a powerful method to improve both intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being [25]. Stanford University's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education found that domains of compassion, such as compassion toward self and compassion toward others, can be enhanced through a systematic training program for adults [26]. Even short-term compassion training significantly impacted prosocial behavior [27], which includes a broad range of actions such as comforting, helping, cooperating, and sharing to benefit one or more persons [28]. ...
... These findings show that even eight educational lessons consisting of five-to-ten-minute-long instructional videos can improve participants' compassion. These findings also are consistent with previous research that found that compassion can be enhanced through training [26], compassion for others can be developed [59], and compassion is an essential predictor of well-being [60]. ...
College students experiencing psychological distress have significantly greater negative emotions than students who practice compassionate thinking. We have developed Eight Steps to Great Compassion (ESGC), an innovative brief and no-cost online video training program about how to increase compassion among busy and young adult university students. To examine the effectiveness and benefits of the ESGC, a single-group pre-test–post-test quantitative design with undergraduate university students (N = 92; Mage = 20.39) evaluated its effects. The results from the post-test showed that the ESGC had a significant positive impact on increased feelings of compassion towards oneself, compassion for others, and the sense of personal well-being from the pre-test. The analysis of the PERMA-Profiler subscales also reflected a statistically significant increase in overall well-being and health and a decrease in negative emotions and loneliness. From the Post-Survey Lesson Feedback, 88% of the participants reported significant positive changes in themselves and the way that they live due to the program. These findings appear to show important implications for improving healthy minds and reducing negative emotions among university students.
... Based on , there are different types of compassion-based interventions that specifically target the development of compassion. These interventions include Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert, 2014), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC; Neff & Germer, 2013), Compassion Cultivating Training (CCT; Jazaieri et al., 2013), Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT; Pace et al., 2009), Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB; Kemeny et al., 2012), Attachment-based Compassion Therapy (ABCT; García-Campayo et al., 2016), Compassionate Mind Training (CMT; Gilbert, 2014Gilbert, , 2020, Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT; Negi, 2013), Compassion-Centered Spiritual Health (CCSH; Negi, 2013), and Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM) and Compassion Meditations (e.g., Wallmark et al., 2013). They can be delivered through various modalities, including face-to-face and online settings (Stoll et al., 2020), and be implemented at the individual and group levels (de Krijger et al., 2023). ...
... Most of the interventions focused on aspects related to positive or negative mental health in the workplace, as well as indicators of well-being or distress at work. Regarding the type of intervention, the studies adopted a variety of frameworks (e.g., CFT, MSC, CMT, CCSH, etc.), including Compassionate Mind Training (CMT; Gilbert, 2014Gilbert, , 2020 and Compassion Cultivating Training (CCT; Jazaieri et al., 2013) as the most prevalent. Only one study measured variables related to the work situation and goal attainment (Orellana-Rios et al., 2017). ...
The aim of this study sought to systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of compassion-based interventions in the workplace. This study examines the mechanisms of the evaluation process and the elements that promote training transfer and its effects on well-being. Through rigorous systematic review methods, a total of nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The results of the random effect model indicate a standardized mean difference of -.24, 95% CI [-.62, .14], suggesting a non-significant decrease in stress levels between pre- and post-compassion training. Similarly, the standardized mean difference of -.096, 95% CI [-.50, .31] suggests a non-significant decrease in depression levels between pre- and post-compassion training. These findings indicate that there were no significant differences in the effects of the interventions. Even more, six studies met the key components of the process evaluation and none measured training transfer. According to these results, we proposed in the current study a "Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Compassion-based Interventions in the Workplace," which offers guidelines for quality designing, implementing, and evaluating compassion-based interventions in the workplace, considering four key components: Structural Elements, Process Evaluation, Training Transfer and Well-being Outcomes. This study highlights the importance of improving the methodology of studies, conducting larger-scale trials, and focusing on the key components of compassion-based interventions. Additionally, exploring training transfer and its impact on well-being is suggested. These findings provide a foundation for future research in the field of compassion-based interventions in the workplace.
... Educators need to focus on compassion education for college students. The Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) developed by Jinpa et al. (2010) has been shown to be effective as an intervention to improve compassion in adults (Jazaieri et al., 2013). In the future, educators can use this training to improve college students' compassion. ...
The sense of responsibility can play an important role in the behavior of college students involved in cyberbullying incidents. Research on the relationship between the sense of responsibility and bystander behavior in cyberbullying is limited. This study examined the relationship between the sense of responsibility and prosocial cyberbystander behavior in cyberbullying, focusing on investigating compassion as a mediator and moral emotions (i.e., moral outrage and moral disgust) as a moderator in this relation. A total of 1,114 Chinese college students (35.4% female), aged from 18 to 23 years (M = 19.55, SD = 1.05), completed an online questionnaire. Results showed that compassion played a partial mediating role in the relationship between the sense of responsibility and prosocial cyberbystander behavior. Moral outrage moderated the relationship between the sense of responsibility and prosocial cyberbystander behavior. Specifically, among participants with higher levels of moral outrage, the relationships between the sense of responsibility and prosocial cyberbystander behavior became much weaker. These results provide a new direction for promoting prosocial cyberbystander behavior.
... Social isolation is another issue that overweight individuals face. Due to social discrimination and negative stereotypes about overweight, these individuals often withdraw from social interactions (2,8). This isolation can reduce social support, increase feelings of loneliness, and ultimately exacerbate psychological distress. ...
This study aimed to examine the structural relationships between attachment styles and social anxiety in adolescents dependent on internet games, considering the mediating role of loneliness. A random sample of 200 adolescents dependent on internet games was selected, and questionnaires on attachment style, social anxiety, and loneliness were completed for them. The results showed that a secure attachment style directly and indirectly leads to reduced social anxiety through decreased loneliness. Additionally, avoidant and anxious-ambivalent attachment styles directly and indirectly lead to increased social anxiety through heightened loneliness. These findings indicate that loneliness plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between attachment styles and social anxiety in adolescents dependent on internet games.
... T. L. Miller et al. (2012) suggest that compassion involves both the capacity to experience and the desire to alleviate the suffering of others. Jazaieri et al. (2013) propose four dimensions of compassion, including cognitive awareness, emotional empathy, intentional desire to alleviate suffering, and behavioral readiness to assist. Meanwhile, Goetz et al. (2010) approach compassion from a developmental perspective, defining it as a feeling evoked when witnessing another's suffering, which then motivates a subsequent desire to help. ...
This paper explores the transformative power of the Buddhist perspective in self-healing, rooted in the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. It emphasizes recognizing pain and self-stigma as essential milestones, highlighting compassion’s role in alleviating suffering and fostering resilience. The study underscores the significance of spiritual practices for self-regulation, enabling the identification and transformation of suffering. By integrating these principles and techniques, individuals can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and liberation from suffering. Offering pragmatic guidance, this study serves as a valuable resource for those seeking purposeful paths to self-healing and holistic well-being.
... Other studies also highlight various positive outcomes of compassionate acts in organizations such as building their capacity for cooperation and increasing the commitment of their members (Boyatzis, Smith, & Beveridge, 2013;Cameron & Dutton, 2003;Dutton, Lilius, & Kanov, 2007). Because of the tangible benefits ARTICLE of compassion, there are also studies exploring factors that stimulate or induce compassionate behavior (Jazaieri et al., 2013(Jazaieri et al., , 2016. ...
Compassion has received much attention in recent organizational scholarship as an important factor for creating an emotionally healthy workplace. This study contributes to the growing literature on organizational compassion by seeing compassion through the lens of Christian biblical theology. The biblical word for compassion is an emotive-action word that always demands holistic involvement of the compassion-giver in response to others’ suffering. Moreover, it requires interpersonal commitment and comes at a significant cost to the compassion-giver. Such understanding of compassion can help organizational leaders better appreciate the potential and limits of compassion and nurture truly transformative and sustainable practice of compassion in organizations.
... Additionally, we aimed to explore potential factors that could drive changes in loneliness in the two different interventions. Previous studies have identified common humanity [33], social contacts [24], social support [34], a sense of belonging [35], and a low fear of compassion [36] as mediators of loneliness. However, these factors have not been directly compared in the context of different contemplative practices and were therefore assessed in this study. ...
Loneliness has become a pressing topic, especially among young adults and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a randomized controlled trial with 253 healthy adults, we evaluated the differential efficacy of two 10-week app-delivered mental training programs: one based on classic mindfulness and one on an innovative partner-based socio-emotional practice (Affect Dyad). We show that the partner-based training resulted in greater reductions in loneliness than the mindfulness-based training. This effect was shown on three measures of loneliness: general loneliness assessed with the 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, state loneliness queried over an 8-day ecological momentary assessment in participants’ daily lives, and loneliness ratings required before and after daily practice. Our study provides evidence for the higher efficacy of a mental training approach based on a 12 min practice conducted with a partner in reducing loneliness and provides a novel, scalable online approach to reduce the increasing problem of loneliness in society.
... ทำความเข้ าใจอี กขั ้ นก็ คื อ สิ ่ งใดที ่ เป็ นผลกระทบต่ ออารมณ์ ในความเห็ นอกเห็ นใจในการบริ การ สาธารณะของพนั กงานเหล่ านั ้ น (Employee's public service compassion) จากการศึ กษาของ Jazaieri et al. (2013) และ Neff (2003) (Gallup, 2013;Kahn, 1990;Maslach et al., 2001;Schaufeli et al., 2002Schaufeli et al., , 2008 (Kahn, 1990;Maslach et al., 2001;Schaufeli, 2013;Schaufeli et al., 2002Schaufeli et al., , 2008 ...
The aim of the research was to study the effects of public service compassion, self-compassion and work stress on work engagement, the effect of self-compassion on
public service compassion,and the influence of public service compassion and selfcompassion on work engagement when moderated by work stress. A sample size of
this study is consisted of 431 employees from the Rubber Authorityof Thailand selected by using multi-stage sampling. The data was collected by questionnaires via an online
application and was analyzed by using structural equation modeling technique. The results showed that public service compassion and self-compassion had positively
affected work engagement.The results showed that work stress had negatively affected work engagement. It was also found that public service compassion and selfcompassion had a more positive influence on work engagement when employees were
exposed to more work stress. In addition, the research results found that selfcompassion had a positive direct influence on public service compassion.
The primary purpose of the Loving-kindness and Compassion Meditations (LKCM) in Buddhism was the cultivation of kindness, but many modern LKCM trainings focused on happiness, and even used the “kindness for happiness” strategy that advocate cultivation of kindness for the benefit of happiness. This study investigated whether cultivating kindness was lesser desired than enhancing happiness for potential trainees, and it impacts on LKCM training. Study 1 recruited 583 university students, study 2 involved 1075 participants from a 4-week online LKCM training. The measures included interest in meditation trainings that focused on emotional happiness, kind attitudes and other effects. Two studies cohesively supported kind attitudes were the least desired effects, and study 2 showed that higher interest in meditations on Emotional Well-being predicted increases in personal happiness. In summary, this study provided first evidence that trainees’ preference on potential effects of LKCM existed and linked with effects of training. It suggested the hedonic bias in modern positive psychology is facilitated by trainees, and encouraged further attention in the philosophical and ethical issues in the trainings. The intervention program has been retrospectively registered with the PRS on May 17, 2024, under registration number NCT06424951.
The literature is replete with evidence that the stress inherent in health care negatively impacts health care professionals, leading to increased depression, decreased job satisfaction, and psychological distress. In an attempt to address this, the current study examined the effects of a short-term stress management program, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), on health care professionals. Results from this prospective randomized controlled pilot study suggest that an 8-week MBSR intervention may be effective for reducing stress and increasing quality of life and self-compassion in health care professionals. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Research has indicated that stigmatizing AIDS attitudes are associated with negative attitudes toward gay men. Because injecting drug users (IDUs) are also stigmatized and injecting drug use is an important exposure category for HIV infection, the authors hypothesized that AIDS stigma might also be related to attitudes toward IDUs and that the proportionately higher level of HIV transmission related to injecting drug use in the African American community would produce different patterns of stigma between Blacks and Whites. National probability samples of U.S. adults were interviewed by telephone. Respondents with more negative attitudes toward IDUs held more stigmatizing AIDS attitudes. Among Blacks, such attitudes explained more variance than did attitudes toward gay men, a pattern opposite to that found among Whites. Moreover, knowing someone who injected illegal drugs was associated with less AIDS stigma for Blacks, but not for Whites. The results suggest that Blacks' and Whites' attitudes toward people with AIDS are informed by their different experiences of the AIDS epidemic.
This article defines the construct of self-compassion and describes the development of the Self-Compassion Scale. Self-compassion entails being kind and understanding toward oneself in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical; perceiving one's experiences as part of the larger human experience rather than seeing them as isolating; and holding painful thoughts and feelings in mindful awareness rather than over-identifying with them. Evidence for the validity and reliability of the scale is presented in a series of studies. Results indicate that self-compassion is significantly correlated with positive mental health outcomes such as less depression and anxiety and greater life satisfaction. Evidence is also provided for the discriminant validity of the scale, including with regard to self-esteem measures.
This article defines and examines the construct of self-compassion. Self-compassion entails three main components: (a) self-kindness—being kind and understanding toward oneself in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical, (b) common humanity—perceiving one's experiences as part of the larger human experience rather than seeing them as separating and isolating, and (c) mindfulness—holding painful thoughts and feelings in balanced awareness rather than over-identifying with them. Self-compassion is an emotionally positive self-attitude that should protect against the negative consequences of self-judgment, isolation, and rumination (such as depression). Because of its non-evaluative and interconnected nature, it should also counter the tendencies towards narcissism, self-centeredness, and downward social comparison that have been associated with attempts to maintain self-esteem. The relation of self-compassion to other psychological constructs is examined, its links to psychological functioning are explored, and potential group differences in self-compassion are discussed.