Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
The compassion-hostility paradox: the interplay of vigilant, prevention-focused self-regulation, compassion, and
Johannes Keller1, Stefan Pfattheicher
11University of Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
The present research examined the notion that the prosocial attitude of compassion is positively related to the antisocial attitude of hostility given that compassion and hostility entail elements reflecting vigilant, prevention-focused self-regulation. In fact, it was found in four samples (N = 4,903) that individuals with a strong vigilant prevention focus reported higher levels on measures of hostility as well as higher levels on compassion than individuals characterized by a weak prevention focus. In addition, compassion and hostility are indeed positively correlated reflecting the Compassion-Hostility Paradox. The positive association between compassion and hostility is substantially reduced when the chronic level of prevention-focused self-regulation is controlled for. A complementary experimental study in which compassion was manipulated revealed an effect of compassion on hostility in chronically prevention-focused individuals.
Related Concept Videos
Egoism and Altruism
Empathy
Stereotype Content Model
Aggression
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance

