A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Meditation on Empathy, Compassion, and Prosocial Behaviors.
Christina M. Luberto, Nina Shinday, Rhayun Song, Lisa L Philpotts, Elyse R Park, Gregory L Fricchione, Gloria Y Yeh
Mindfulness June 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-017-0841-8 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials with 1,714 subjects found that meditation practices produce small to medium improvements in pro-social emotions and behaviors. The effects were similar for self-reported emotions and observed behavioral outcomes, and held even when compared with active control groups. Most studies used compassion or loving-kindness meditation over 8–12 weeks in healthy adults. The findings suggest meditation can enhance empathy, compassion, and helping behavior.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,714 |
| Population | Healthy adults and other populations included in randomized controlled trials |
| Intervention | loving kindness meditation |
| Duration | 8-12 weeks |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Compassion Empathy Pro-social |
| Key finding | Meditation produces small to medium effects on pro-social emotions and behaviors. |
Abstract
Increased attention has focused on methods to increase empathy, compassion, and pro-social behavior. Meditation practices have traditionally been used to cultivate pro-social outcomes, and recently investigations have sought to evaluate their efficacy for these outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of meditation for pro-social emotions and behavior. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases (inception-April 2016) using the search terms: mindfulness, meditation, mind-body therapies, tai chi, yoga, MBSR, MBCT, empathy, compassion, love, altruism, sympathy, or kindness. Randomized controlled trials in any population were included (26 studies with 1,714 subjects). Most were conducted among healthy adults (n=11) using compassion or loving kindness meditation (n=18) over 8-12weeks (n=12) in a group format (n=17). Most control groups were wait-list or no-treatment (n=15). Outcome measures included self-reported emotions (e.g., composite scores, validated measures) and observed behavioral outcomes (e.g., helping behavior in real-world and simulated settings). Many studies showed a low risk of bias. Results demonstrated small to medium effects of meditation on self-reported (SMD = .40, p < .001) and observable outcomes (SMD = .45, p < .001) and suggest psychosocial and neurophysiological mechanisms of action. Subgroup analyses also supported small to medium effects of meditation even when compared to active control groups. Clinicians and meditation teachers should be aware that meditation can improve positive pro-social emotions and behaviors.