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.
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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9373-z
- Authors
- Hooria Jazaieri, Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 420 Jordan Hall, Room 420, Stanford, CA 94305-2130, USA
- Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, Stanford, CA, USA
- Kelly McGonigal, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, Stanford, CA, USA
- Erika L. Rosenberg, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, Stanford, CA, USA
- Joel Finkelstein, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, Stanford, CA, USA
- Margaret Cullen, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, Stanford, CA, USA
- James R. Doty, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research, Stanford, CA, USA
- James J. Gross, Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 420 Jordan Hall, Room 420, Stanford, CA 94305-2130, USA
- Philippe R. Goldin, Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 420 Jordan Hall, Room 420, Stanford, CA 94305-2130, USA
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978