Javascript must be enabled to continue!
The Landscape of Compassion
View through CrossRef
How do we, as scientists, define compassion? Is it an emotional state, a motivation, a dispositional trait, or a cultivated attitude? In this introductory chapter, we set forth a working definition for compassion, situate compassion in the context of related terms and mental experiences, and orient readers to the key questions addressed by the authors in this handbook. Particular attention is paid to the evolutionary origins of compassion, the biological structures and processes implicated in compassion, the degree to which compassion is universal and variable across cultures, and documented approaches to fostering compassion. In closing, we explore the potential impact of training compassion on personal well-being, the quality of relationships, organizational success, and society more broadly.
Title: The Landscape of Compassion
Description:
How do we, as scientists, define compassion? Is it an emotional state, a motivation, a dispositional trait, or a cultivated attitude? In this introductory chapter, we set forth a working definition for compassion, situate compassion in the context of related terms and mental experiences, and orient readers to the key questions addressed by the authors in this handbook.
Particular attention is paid to the evolutionary origins of compassion, the biological structures and processes implicated in compassion, the degree to which compassion is universal and variable across cultures, and documented approaches to fostering compassion.
In closing, we explore the potential impact of training compassion on personal well-being, the quality of relationships, organizational success, and society more broadly.
Related Results
Organizational Compassion
Organizational Compassion
In this chapter, we discuss compassion as experienced and expressed at the organization level of analysis. Shifting to this collective level suggests that the definition of compass...
Compassion in Context
Compassion in Context
Various conceptions of compassion are articulated in diverse Buddhist contemplative traditions. These variations are due in part to the divergent models of mind and reality found w...
Compassion Collapse
Compassion Collapse
In the current chapter, I will discuss a phenomenon known as “compassion collapse”: people tend to feel and act less compassionately for multiple suffering victims than for a singl...
Compassion Fatigue Resilience
Compassion Fatigue Resilience
Drawing on more than 48 years of experience working with compassionate people who were suffering, the authors discuss and illustrate the useful applications of the new Compassion F...
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever
As measured by mass evacuation of cities, yellow fever provoked more fear and panic than any other epidemic disease in US history. This chapter concentrates on two of the most deva...
Solitude, Silence and Loneliness in Adolescence
Solitude, Silence and Loneliness in Adolescence
This book explores adolescents’ (10-18 years) experiences of silence, solitude, loneliness within the school setting.Although many studies explore social withdrawal and loneliness ...
Enhancing Compassion
Enhancing Compassion
Historically, social psychologists are known for demonstrating the power of situations to reduce compassionate impulses and prosocial behavior. The simple presence of other people,...
Compassion-Focused Parenting
Compassion-Focused Parenting
The parenting a child receives has profound long-term impacts on that child’s life. The rates of child maltreatment globally are high. Evidence-based parenting programs have been d...

