The Effects of Compassion Meditation on Altruism

A study compared the effects of compassion meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on altruism. Participants were divided into two groups, one receiving compassion meditation instructions and the other undergoing CBT training. The compassion meditation involved recalling loved ones experiencing difficulties, wishing them happiness and relief from suffering, and subsequently extending this practice to oneself, a neutral stranger, and a difficult individual. The meditation sessions were conducted for 30 minutes daily over two weeks. Results indicated that participants in the compassion group exhibited increased altruistic behaviors and demonstrated significant brain changes that correlated with their altruistic actions, unlike the CBT group, highlighting the unique impact of compassion meditation on promoting altruism.