Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness 11/2019

13-08-2019 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Compassion: Embodied and Embedded

Auteur: Bassam Khoury

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 11/2019

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this paper is to review current conceptualizations, assessment measures, and operationalizations of compassion towards self and others in order to propose a new theoretically grounded, empirically driven, unified notion of compassion towards self and others.

Methods

A thorough qualitative review of theoretical and empirical papers and books regarding compassion towards self and others was conducted with a particular emphasis on neurological and neurophysiological evidence.

Results

Theoretical and empirical evidence suggest that compassion should be grounded in affective, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal processes. Moreover, based on available neurological and neurophysiological evidence, compassion can be considered as embodied and embedded in the interpersonal and social context.

Conclusions

The new notion of compassion has important implications in conceptualizing and measuring compassion and in devising and validating new compassion-based interventions. Therefore, this notion should be taken in consideration in conducting future research on compassion.
Literatuur
go back to reference Aronson, H. B. (1996). Love and sympathy in Theravada Buddhism. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. Aronson, H. B. (1996). Love and sympathy in Theravada Buddhism. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
go back to reference Batson, C. D., Fultz, J., & Schoenrade, P. A. (1987). Distress and empathy: two qualitatively distinct vicarious emotions with different motivational consequences. Journal of Personality, 55(1), 19–39.CrossRefPubMed Batson, C. D., Fultz, J., & Schoenrade, P. A. (1987). Distress and empathy: two qualitatively distinct vicarious emotions with different motivational consequences. Journal of Personality, 55(1), 19–39.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: basics and beyond. New York, NY: Guilford press. Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: basics and beyond. New York, NY: Guilford press.
go back to reference Braehler, C., Gumley, A., Harper, J., Wallace, S., Norrie, J., & Gilbert, P. (2013). Exploring change processes in compassion focused therapy in psychosis: results of a feasibility randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 52(2), 199–214. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12009.CrossRefPubMed Braehler, C., Gumley, A., Harper, J., Wallace, S., Norrie, J., & Gilbert, P. (2013). Exploring change processes in compassion focused therapy in psychosis: results of a feasibility randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 52(2), 199–214. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1111/​bjc.​12009.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Burnell, L., & Agan, D. L. (2013). Compassionate care: can it be defined and measured? The development of the compassionate care assessment tool. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 6(2), 180–187. Burnell, L., & Agan, D. L. (2013). Compassionate care: can it be defined and measured? The development of the compassionate care assessment tool. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 6(2), 180–187.
go back to reference Costa, J., Marôco, J., Pinto-Gouveia, J., Ferreira, C., & Castilho, P. (2016). Validation of the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale. Testing the factorial validity and factorial invariance of the measure among borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, Eating Disorder and General Populations. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 23(5), 460–468. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.1974.CrossRef Costa, J., Marôco, J., Pinto-Gouveia, J., Ferreira, C., & Castilho, P. (2016). Validation of the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale. Testing the factorial validity and factorial invariance of the measure among borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, Eating Disorder and General Populations. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 23(5), 460–468. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​cpp.​1974.CrossRef
go back to reference Davidson, R. J., James, W., & Harrington, A. (2002). Visions of compassion: Western scientists and Tibetan Buddhists examine human nature. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Davidson, R. J., James, W., & Harrington, A. (2002). Visions of compassion: Western scientists and Tibetan Buddhists examine human nature. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Epstein, M. (1995). Thoughts without a thinker: psychotherapy from a Buddhist perspective. New York: Basic Books. Epstein, M. (1995). Thoughts without a thinker: psychotherapy from a Buddhist perspective. New York: Basic Books.
go back to reference Gilbert, P. (2006). Compassion: conceptualizations, research and use in psychotherapy. New York: Routledge. Gilbert, P. (2006). Compassion: conceptualizations, research and use in psychotherapy. New York: Routledge.
go back to reference Gilbert, P. (2009). The compassionate mind: a new approach to life’s challenges. London: Constable and Robinson. Gilbert, P. (2009). The compassionate mind: a new approach to life’s challenges. London: Constable and Robinson.
go back to reference Gilbert, P. (2010). Compassion focused therapy: distinctive features. London: Routledge.CrossRef Gilbert, P. (2010). Compassion focused therapy: distinctive features. London: Routledge.CrossRef
go back to reference Goldin, P. R., & Jazaieri, H. (2017). The compassion cultivation training (CCT) program. In J. R. Doty & E. Seppälä (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of compassion science. New York: Oxford University Press. Goldin, P. R., & Jazaieri, H. (2017). The compassion cultivation training (CCT) program. In J. R. Doty & E. Seppälä (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of compassion science. New York: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Hacker, T. (2008). The relational compassion scale: development and validation of a new self rated scale for the assessment of self-other compassion. University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland. Hacker, T. (2008). The relational compassion scale: development and validation of a new self rated scale for the assessment of self-other compassion. University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland.
go back to reference Harvey, P. (2000). An introduction to Buddhist ethics: foundations, values and issues. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Harvey, P. (2000). An introduction to Buddhist ethics: foundations, values and issues. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
go back to reference Hermanto, N., Zuroff, D. C., Kopala-Sibley, D. C., Kelly, A. C., Matos, M., Gilbert, P., & Koestner, R. (2016). Ability to receive compassion from others buffers the depressogenic effect of self-criticism: a cross-cultural multi-study analysis. Personality and Individual Differences, 98, 324–332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.04.055.CrossRef Hermanto, N., Zuroff, D. C., Kopala-Sibley, D. C., Kelly, A. C., Matos, M., Gilbert, P., & Koestner, R. (2016). Ability to receive compassion from others buffers the depressogenic effect of self-criticism: a cross-cultural multi-study analysis. Personality and Individual Differences, 98, 324–332. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​paid.​2016.​04.​055.CrossRef
go back to reference Jinpa, T. L., & Weiss, L. (2013). Compassion cultivation training (CCT). In T. Singer & M. Boltz (Eds.), Compassion: bridging practice and science. Leipzig: Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences. Jinpa, T. L., & Weiss, L. (2013). Compassion cultivation training (CCT). In T. Singer & M. Boltz (Eds.), Compassion: bridging practice and science. Leipzig: Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences.
go back to reference Kabat-Zinn, J. (1982). An outpatient program in behavioral Medecine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: Theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry, 4(1), 33–47.CrossRefPubMed Kabat-Zinn, J. (1982). An outpatient program in behavioral Medecine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: Theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry, 4(1), 33–47.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. New York: Dell Publishing. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. New York: Dell Publishing.
go back to reference Kiehl, K. A., Smith, A. M., Hare, R. D., Mendrek, A., Forster, B. B., Brink, J., & Liddle, P. F. (2001). Limbic abnormalities in affective processing by criminal psychopaths as revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Biological Psychiatry, 50(9), 677–684.CrossRefPubMed Kiehl, K. A., Smith, A. M., Hare, R. D., Mendrek, A., Forster, B. B., Brink, J., & Liddle, P. F. (2001). Limbic abnormalities in affective processing by criminal psychopaths as revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Biological Psychiatry, 50(9), 677–684.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Kok, B. E., Coffey, K. A., Cohn, M. A., Catalino, L. I., Vacharkulksemsuk, T., Algoe, S. B., et al. (2013). How positive emotions build physical health: perceived positive social connections account for the upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychological Science, 24(7), 1123–1132. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612470827.CrossRefPubMed Kok, B. E., Coffey, K. A., Cohn, M. A., Catalino, L. I., Vacharkulksemsuk, T., Algoe, S. B., et al. (2013). How positive emotions build physical health: perceived positive social connections account for the upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychological Science, 24(7), 1123–1132. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1177/​0956797612470827​.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Kornfield, J. (2011). Bringing home the dharma: awakening right where you are. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications. Kornfield, J. (2011). Bringing home the dharma: awakening right where you are. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications.
go back to reference Lama, D. (2005). Essence of the Heart Sutra: the Dalai Lama’s heart of wisdom teachings. USA: Wisdom Publications. Lama, D. (2005). Essence of the Heart Sutra: the Dalai Lama’s heart of wisdom teachings. USA: Wisdom Publications.
go back to reference Lavelle, B. D. (2017). Compassion in context: tracing the Buddhist roots of secular, compassion-based contemplative. In E. M. Seppala, E. Simon-Thomas, S. L. Brown, M. C. Worline, C. D. Cameron, & J. R. Doty (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of compassion science (pp. 17–25). New York: Oxford University Press. Lavelle, B. D. (2017). Compassion in context: tracing the Buddhist roots of secular, compassion-based contemplative. In E. M. Seppala, E. Simon-Thomas, S. L. Brown, M. C. Worline, C. D. Cameron, & J. R. Doty (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of compassion science (pp. 17–25). New York: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Emotion and adaptation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Emotion and adaptation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Makransky, J. (2007). Awakening through love: unveiling your deepest goodness. Boston: Wisdom Publications. Makransky, J. (2007). Awakening through love: unveiling your deepest goodness. Boston: Wisdom Publications.
go back to reference Makransky, J. (2011). Compassion beyond fatigue: contemplative training for people who serve others. In J. Simmer-Brown & F. Grace (Eds.), Meditation and the classroom (pp. 85–94). New York: SUNY Press. Makransky, J. (2011). Compassion beyond fatigue: contemplative training for people who serve others. In J. Simmer-Brown & F. Grace (Eds.), Meditation and the classroom (pp. 85–94). New York: SUNY Press.
go back to reference Makransky, J., Germer, C. K., & Siegel, R. D. (2012). Compassion in Buddhist psychology. In C. K. Germer & R. D. Siegel (Eds.), Wisdom and compassion in psychotherapy: deepening mindfulness in clinical practice (pp. 61–74). New York: Guilford Press. Makransky, J., Germer, C. K., & Siegel, R. D. (2012). Compassion in Buddhist psychology. In C. K. Germer & R. D. Siegel (Eds.), Wisdom and compassion in psychotherapy: deepening mindfulness in clinical practice (pp. 61–74). New York: Guilford Press.
go back to reference Marlatt, G. A., & Kristeller, J. L. (1999). Mindfulness and meditation. In W. R. Miller (Ed.), Integrating spirituality into treatment: resources for practitioners (pp. 67–84). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.CrossRef Marlatt, G. A., & Kristeller, J. L. (1999). Mindfulness and meditation. In W. R. Miller (Ed.), Integrating spirituality into treatment: resources for practitioners (pp. 67–84). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.CrossRef
go back to reference McEwan, K., Elander, J., & Gilbert, P. (2018). Evaluation of a web-based self-compassion intervention to reduce student assessment anxiety. Interdisciplinary Education and Psychology, 2(1), 1–24.CrossRef McEwan, K., Elander, J., & Gilbert, P. (2018). Evaluation of a web-based self-compassion intervention to reduce student assessment anxiety. Interdisciplinary Education and Psychology, 2(1), 1–24.CrossRef
go back to reference Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2, 223–250.CrossRef Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2, 223–250.CrossRef
go back to reference Neff, K. D. (2004). Self-compassion and psychological well-being. Constructivism in the Human Sciences, 9(2), 27–37. Neff, K. D. (2004). Self-compassion and psychological well-being. Constructivism in the Human Sciences, 9(2), 27–37.
go back to reference Pommier, E. (2010). The compassion scale. Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (855633530). Pommier, E. (2010). The compassion scale. Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (855633530).
go back to reference Porges, S. W. (2017). Vagal pathways: portals to compassion. In J. R. Doty & E. Seppälä (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of compassion science (pp. 189–204). New York: Oxford University Press. Porges, S. W. (2017). Vagal pathways: portals to compassion. In J. R. Doty & E. Seppälä (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of compassion science (pp. 189–204). New York: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Pratt, A. S. (2019). Binge eating in college women: Body dissatisfaction, self-compassion, and expectancies for mood regulation. New York, NY: Fordham University. Pratt, A. S. (2019). Binge eating in college women: Body dissatisfaction, self-compassion, and expectancies for mood regulation. New York, NY: Fordham University.
go back to reference Rahimi-Ardabili, H., Reynolds, R., Vartanian, L. R., McLeod, L. V. D., & Zwar, N. (2018). A systematic review of the efficacy of interventions that aim to increase self-compassion on nutrition habits, eating behaviours, body weight and body image. Mindfulness, 9(2), 388–400. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0804-0.CrossRef Rahimi-Ardabili, H., Reynolds, R., Vartanian, L. R., McLeod, L. V. D., & Zwar, N. (2018). A systematic review of the efficacy of interventions that aim to increase self-compassion on nutrition habits, eating behaviours, body weight and body image. Mindfulness, 9(2), 388–400. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s12671-017-0804-0.CrossRef
go back to reference Sayers, W. M., Creswell, J. D., & Taren, A. (2015). The emerging neurobiology of mindfulness and emotion processing. In B. D. Ostafin, M. D. Robinson, & B. P. Meier (Eds.), Handbook of mindfulness and self-regulation (pp. 9–22). New York, NY: Springer New York.CrossRef Sayers, W. M., Creswell, J. D., & Taren, A. (2015). The emerging neurobiology of mindfulness and emotion processing. In B. D. Ostafin, M. D. Robinson, & B. P. Meier (Eds.), Handbook of mindfulness and self-regulation (pp. 9–22). New York, NY: Springer New York.CrossRef
go back to reference Shirtcliff, E. A., Vitacco, M. J., Graf, A. R., Gostisha, A. J., Merz, J. L., & Zahn-Waxler, C. (2009). Neurobiology of empathy and callousness: implications for the development of antisocial behavior. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 27(2), 137–171. https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.862.CrossRef Shirtcliff, E. A., Vitacco, M. J., Graf, A. R., Gostisha, A. J., Merz, J. L., & Zahn-Waxler, C. (2009). Neurobiology of empathy and callousness: implications for the development of antisocial behavior. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 27(2), 137–171. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​bsl.​862.CrossRef
go back to reference Siegel, D. J. (2012). Pocket guide to interpersonal neurobiology: an integrative handbook of the mind. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. Siegel, D. J. (2012). Pocket guide to interpersonal neurobiology: an integrative handbook of the mind. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
go back to reference Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S., Fisher, B. C., Wahler, R. G., McAleavey, K., et al. (2006a). Mindful parenting decreases aggression, noncompliance, and self-injury in children with autism. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 14(3), 169–177.CrossRef Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S., Fisher, B. C., Wahler, R. G., McAleavey, K., et al. (2006a). Mindful parenting decreases aggression, noncompliance, and self-injury in children with autism. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 14(3), 169–177.CrossRef
go back to reference Stevens, L., Gauthier-Braham, M., & Bush, B. (2018). Chapter 4 - the brain that longs to care for itself: the current neuroscience of self-compassion. In L. Stevens & C. C. Woodruff (Eds.), The neuroscience of empathy, compassion, and self-compassion (pp. 91–120). San Diego: Academic Press.CrossRef Stevens, L., Gauthier-Braham, M., & Bush, B. (2018). Chapter 4 - the brain that longs to care for itself: the current neuroscience of self-compassion. In L. Stevens & C. C. Woodruff (Eds.), The neuroscience of empathy, compassion, and self-compassion (pp. 91–120). San Diego: Academic Press.CrossRef
go back to reference Wheeler, E. A., & Lenick, N. W. (2014). Brief compassion meditation and recall of positive-emotion words. J. Artic. Support Null Hypothesis, 11, 12–20. Wheeler, E. A., & Lenick, N. W. (2014). Brief compassion meditation and recall of positive-emotion words. J. Artic. Support Null Hypothesis, 11, 12–20.
go back to reference Woodruff, C. C., & Stevens, L. (2018). Chapter 11 - where caring for self and others lives in the brain, and how it can be enhanced and diminished: observations on the neuroscience of empathy, compassion, and self-compassion. In L. Stevens & C. C. Woodruff (Eds.), The neuroscience of empathy, compassion, and self-compassion (pp. 285–320). San Diego: Academic Press.CrossRef Woodruff, C. C., & Stevens, L. (2018). Chapter 11 - where caring for self and others lives in the brain, and how it can be enhanced and diminished: observations on the neuroscience of empathy, compassion, and self-compassion. In L. Stevens & C. C. Woodruff (Eds.), The neuroscience of empathy, compassion, and self-compassion (pp. 285–320). San Diego: Academic Press.CrossRef
go back to reference Yousaf, A., Amir, R., & Hameed, A. (2019). Body image, self-compassion and sexual distress in patients with mastectomy. Annals of King Edward Medical University, 25(1) 22-27. Yousaf, A., Amir, R., & Hameed, A. (2019). Body image, self-compassion and sexual distress in patients with mastectomy. Annals of King Edward Medical University, 25(1) 22-27.
Metagegevens
Titel
Compassion: Embodied and Embedded
Auteur
Bassam Khoury
Publicatiedatum
13-08-2019
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Mindfulness / Uitgave 11/2019
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01211-w

Andere artikelen Uitgave 11/2019

Mindfulness 11/2019 Naar de uitgave

MINDFULNESS IN PRACTICE

How to Sit in Sitting Meditation

ORTHOGONAL ROTATION IN CONSCIOUSNESS

Phase Changes