Mindfulness and compassion
Christopher Germer, Thorsten Barnhofer
Routledge eBooks April 21, 2017 DOI: 10.4324/9781315564296-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 32 |
| Key findings | The chapter argues that compassion training has features distinct from awareness-based mindfulness approaches and may expand understanding of contemplative training. It identifies three meditation types typically taught as "mindfulness meditation" in the West (focused attention, open monitoring, and loving-kindness and compassion) and proposes that self-compassion practice offers particular opportunities for emotional growth and healing. |
Abstract
Compassion training is following close on the heels of mindfulness, emphasizing the attitudinal and relational aspects of mind training. This chapter explores ancient and modern meanings of mindfulness and how compassion fits or doesn&s;t fit in with those concepts. It considers the multidimensional meaning of compassion and the role mindfulness plays in compassion theory and practice, followed by a discussion of the unique features of self-compassion training. The chapter reviews some scientific evidence for considering mindfulness and compassion as converging or diverging psychological processes. There are currently three types of meditation that are typically taught under the umbrella of "mindfulness meditation" in the West, namely focused attention; open monitoring; and loving-kindness and compassion. Compassion training has some unique features that may expand our understanding of contemplative training beyond awareness-based mindfulness approaches. In particular, the practice of self-compassion offers unique opportunities for emotional growth and healing.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness: Development of a Self-Report Scale Mindfulness September 4, 2023
- How did we get here? Evolutionary, psychological, and cultural challenges in cultivating contemplative practices Humanities and Social Sciences Communications May 2, 2026
- The effects of mindfulness-based self-compassion training on stress, psychological resilience, and well-being in parents of autistic children: a randomized controlled study Current Psychology June 27, 2025
- The Role of Self-Compassion, Dispositional Mindfulness, and Emotion Regulation in the Psychological Health of Family Carers of Older Adults. Clinical Gerontologist December 2, 2020
- Effects of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) on Symptom Change, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Rumination in Clients With Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Frontiers in Psychology May 17, 2019
and 2 more in the library