What is compassion and how can we measure it? A review of definitions and measures

6 important questions on What is compassion and how can we measure it? A review of definitions and measures

What does research show about the relationship between compassion and self-compassion and what conclusions can be drawn from this finding?

There was no relationship found between the two concepts. It is unclear whether this proves that there is a distinction between the two concepts, or that there are definitional problems.

What do some definitions of compassion entail that others do not? (2)

1. Distress tolerance (Neff/Pommer/Dalai Lama)
2. Common humanity (Neff/Pommer/Dalai Lama)

What are the differences between compassion and empathy? (5)

1. Compassion comprises a desire to act
2. Compassion is felt specifically in response to suffering
3. Compassion is an emotion in its own right whereas empathy is the vicarious experience of another's emotions
4. Compassion can be felt for humanity at large
5. Different brain regions are activated in response to empathy and compassion training
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What is the difference between pity and compassion? (2)

1. Compassion comprises a desire to act
2. Pity would imply that one sees someone as unworthy of help

What is the difference between altruism and compassion? (2)

1. Altruism has a greater focus on behavioral acts that may be at great personal cost
2. Altruism can have a broad range of motivations that do not necessarily mirror those of compassion

What does the proposed definition, based on this article, comprise? (5)

1. Recognizing suffering
2. Understanding the universality of suffering in human experience
3. Feeling empathy for the person suffering and connecting with the distress
4. Remaining open to and accepting of the person suffering
5. Motivation to act to alleviate suffering

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