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. 2018 Jun;9(3):708-724.
doi: 10.1007/s12671-017-0841-8. Epub 2017 Oct 23.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Meditation on Empathy, Compassion, and Prosocial Behaviors

Christina M Luberto  1   2 , Nina Shinday  3 , Rhayun Song  4 , Lisa L Philpotts  5 , Elyse R Park  1   2 , Gregory L Fricchione  1   2 , Gloria Y Yeh  3
Affiliations

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Meditation on Empathy, Compassion, and Prosocial Behaviors

Christina M Luberto et al. Mindfulness (N Y). 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Increased attention has focused on methods to increase empathy, compassion, and pro-social behavior. Meditation practices have traditionally been used to cultivate pro-social outcomes, and recently investigations have sought to evaluate their efficacy for these outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of meditation for pro-social emotions and behavior. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases (inception-April 2016) using the search terms: mindfulness, meditation, mind-body therapies, tai chi, yoga, MBSR, MBCT, empathy, compassion, love, altruism, sympathy, or kindness. Randomized controlled trials in any population were included (26 studies with 1,714 subjects). Most were conducted among healthy adults (n=11) using compassion or loving kindness meditation (n=18) over 8-12weeks (n=12) in a group format (n=17). Most control groups were wait-list or no-treatment (n=15). Outcome measures included self-reported emotions (e.g., composite scores, validated measures) and observed behavioral outcomes (e.g., helping behavior in real-world and simulated settings). Many studies showed a low risk of bias. Results demonstrated small to medium effects of meditation on self-reported (SMD = .40, p < .001) and observable outcomes (SMD = .45, p < .001) and suggest psychosocial and neurophysiological mechanisms of action. Subgroup analyses also supported small to medium effects of meditation even when compared to active control groups. Clinicians and meditation teachers should be aware that meditation can improve positive pro-social emotions and behaviors.

Keywords: compassion; empathy; meditation; mindfulness; pro-social.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors have declared that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of article selection process
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of bias across all studies
Figure 3
Figure 3. Effects of meditation on objective and subjective outcomes
Note. SDM, standardized difference in means; CI, confidence interval; LL, lower limit; UL, upper limit.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Funnel plots for objective and subjective outcomes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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