Differential Effects of Attention-, Compassion-, and Socio-Cognitively Based Mental Practices on Self-Reports of Mindfulness and Compassion
Mindfulness December 1, 2017 Lea K. Hildebrandt, Cade McCall, Tania Singer
A 9-month longitudinal study (the ReSource Project) compared three 3-month mental training modules. The attention-focused "Presence" module increased observing, nonreacting, and presence but not acceptance or nonjudging. The socio-cognitive "Perspective" module improved acceptance, and the socio-affective "Affect" module improved nonjudging and compassion. Only the Affect module uniquely raised compassion and self-compassion scores. Thus, present-moment attention training alone is insufficient to cultivate ethical-motivational qualities; explicit socio-cognitive and compassion-based practices are needed for broad changes in nonjudgmental attitude, compassion, and self-compassion.