Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR)
Kathryn A. Birnie, Michael Speca, Linda E. Carlson
Stress and Health March 15, 2010 DOI: 10.1002/smi.1305 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Community sample |
| Duration | 8-week programme |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 599 |
| Key points | MBSR participation led to significant reductions in stress and mood disturbance, and increases in mindfulness, spirituality, self-compassion, and perspective taking, but not empathic concern. |
Abstract
Abstract Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) programmes have demonstrated beneficial outcomes in a variety of populations. Self‐compassion and empathy have theoretical connections to mindfulness, the key element of the MBSR programme; however, previous studies examining the programme's impact on self‐compassion or empathy have demonstrated mixed results. This study examined the impact of MBSR on self‐compassion and empathy, as well as on mindfulness, symptoms of stress, mood disturbance and spirituality in a community sample. Significant reductions in symptoms of stress and mood disturbance, as well as increases in mindfulness, spirituality and self‐compassion were observed after programme participation. With regards to empathy, a significant increase was seen in perspective taking and a significant decrease in personal distress; no significant change was observed for empathic concern. Changes in self‐compassion were predicted by changes in mindfulness. Self‐compassion and aspects of empathy revealed strong associations with psychological functioning. Implications of MBSR as an intervention for enhancing self‐compassion and empathy are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.