Effects of Brief Mindfulness Meditation and Compassion Meditation on Parochial Empathy and Prosocial Behavior Toward Ethnic Out-Group Members.

Brief mindfulness meditation and compassion meditation have different effects on empathy and prosocial behavior toward ethnic out-group members. Mindfulness meditation reduced empathic distress and did not increase helping behavior toward out-group members, whereas compassion meditation increased empathic concern and prosocial behavior toward them. The findings suggest that compassion-based practices may be more effective than mindfulness alone for reducing intergroup bias and promoting altruistic behavior across ethnic lines.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Effects of Brief Mindfulness Meditation and Compassion Meditation on Parochial Empathy and Prosocial Behavior Toward Ethnic Out-Group Members.