Vulnerability, compassion meditation and well-being: community-based participatory research
Flavia Cristiane Kolchraiber, Luiza Hiromi Tanaka, Losang Tenzin Negi, Rafaela Lopes Dos Santos Nunes, Eduardo Sodré de Souza, Káren Mendes Jorge de Souza
Physis: Revista de Saúde Coletiva 2025 DOI: 10.1590/s0103-73312025350114en (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Participatory action research Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 41 |
| Population | Socially vulnerable population in São Paulo, Brazil; qualitative data collection included 41 participants in conversation rounds, predominantly women (93%), black (78%), mean age 37 years, with 73% living on the outskirts |
| Intervention | Cognitive-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key points | The authors report that CBCT® promoted positive effects on well-being in the collective dimension, with the critical-reflective methodology fostering community engagement and emotional literacy and contributing to social equity appreciation. The intervention directly benefited 11,390 people and indirectly 43,282. |
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To understand and assess the effects of Cognitive-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) in promoting collective well-being on the outskirts.
Method: This is participatory action research with socially vulnerable population in São Paulo, Brazil. Qualitative data from the community-based participant research (CBPR) model, rounds of conversation (n=41), evaluation work plan (n=18), participant observation and quantitative institutional reports were analyzed with WebQDA® and Excel®, respectively.
Results: Women (93%), black (78%), mean age of 37 years, living on the outskirts (73%) participated. Directly, the intervention benefited 11,390 people and, indirectly, 43,282. Categories analyzed were: Structural oppressions and individual autonomy; (Self-)care generates collective empowerment; Action-reflection-action process for (trans)formation; Emotional literacy as a human right; and Practices of (self-)care and social justice.
Conclusion: CBCT® promoted positive effects on well-being in the collective dimension. The critical-reflective methodology promoted community engagement and emotional literacy, contributing to social equity appreciation.