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Enhancing Compassion: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Compassion Cultivation Training Program

Author

Listed:
  • Hooria Jazaieri
  • Geshe Jinpa
  • Kelly McGonigal
  • Erika Rosenberg
  • Joel Finkelstein
  • Emiliana Simon-Thomas
  • Margaret Cullen
  • James Doty
  • James Gross
  • Philippe Goldin

Abstract

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. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Hooria Jazaieri & Geshe Jinpa & Kelly McGonigal & Erika Rosenberg & Joel Finkelstein & Emiliana Simon-Thomas & Margaret Cullen & James Doty & James Gross & Philippe Goldin, 2013. "Enhancing Compassion: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Compassion Cultivation Training Program," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 1113-1126, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:14:y:2013:i:4:p:1113-1126
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-012-9373-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antoine Lutz & Julie Brefczynski-Lewis & Tom Johnstone & Richard J Davidson, 2008. "Regulation of the Neural Circuitry of Emotion by Compassion Meditation: Effects of Meditative Expertise," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(3), pages 1-10, March.
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    1. Aino I Saarinen & Dacher Keltner & Henrik Dobewall & Terho Lehtimäki & Liisa Keltikangas-Järvinen & Mirka Hintsanen, 2021. "The relationship of socioeconomic status in childhood and adulthood with compassion: A study with a prospective 32-year follow-up," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Melikşah Demir & Andrew Haynes & Marlyn Sanchez & Jennifer C. Parada, 2019. "Personal Sense of Uniqueness Mediates the Relationship Between Compassion for Others and Subjective Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(6), pages 1751-1773, August.
    3. Angélica López & Robbert Sanderman & Ans Smink & Ying Zhang & Eric van Sonderen & Adelita Ranchor & Maya J Schroevers, 2015. "A Reconsideration of the Self-Compassion Scale’s Total Score: Self-Compassion versus Self-Criticism," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(7), pages 1-12, July.
    4. Ericson, Torgeir & Kjønstad, Bjørn Gunaketu & Barstad, Anders, 2014. "Mindfulness and sustainability," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 73-79.
    5. Andrew McVicar & Ann Pettit & Pamela Knight‐Davidson & Adelle Shaw‐Flach, 2021. "Promotion of professional quality of life through reducing fears of compassion and compassion fatigue: Application of the Compassionate Mind Model to Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (Health ," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(1-2), pages 101-112, January.

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