Mindfulness and compassion in human development: introduction to the special section
Robert W Roeser1, Jacquelynne S Eccles2
1Department of Psychology, Portland State University.
Developmental Psychology
|December 30, 2014
Summary
This research explores the development of mindfulness and compassion in children and adolescents. It highlights the need for a lifespan perspective in contemplative science, focusing on family socialization and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Contemplative science, developmental psychology, clinical neuroscience, and health sciences.
Background:
- Current research on contemplative practices like mindfulness and compassion training lacks a developmental lifespan perspective.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the natural development of these qualities in children and adolescents.
- The role of parental socialization in cultivating mindfulness and compassion in offspring is under-explored.
Discussion:
- This special section addresses the gap by presenting empirical research with a developmental focus.
- It examines construct conceptualization and measurement of mindfulness and compassion in youth.
- It investigates family socialization practices and the impact of interventions.
Key Insights:
- There is a critical need to integrate developmental science into contemplative research.
- Understanding how children and adolescents naturally develop mindfulness and compassion is essential.
- Family and caregiver involvement is crucial for fostering these positive traits.
Outlook:
- Future research should prioritize a lifespan approach to contemplative science.
- Developing and validating age-appropriate measures for mindfulness and compassion is needed.
- Interventions targeting children, adolescents, and caregivers can enhance well-being.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Humanistic Psychology
3.2K
Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the deterministic and pessimistic nature of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. While behaviorism focused on observable behaviors influenced by the environment and psychoanalysis delved into unconscious motivations, both theories suggested that human actions lacked free will. In contrast, humanistic psychology offers a perspective that emphasizes the innate potential for goodness and growth within every individual.
This approach...
This approach...
3.2K
01:24Humanistic Therapy
531
Humanistic therapies emphasize personal growth, self-understanding, and the fulfillment of human potential. Rooted in the belief that individuals inherently strive toward self-actualization, these approaches encourage clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Humanistic therapies differ from psychodynamic approaches by focusing on conscious experiences, present circumstances, and the potential for self-improvement rather than past conflicts...
531
02:34Empathy
10.3K
Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor.
10.3K
01:29Introspection
428
Introspection, long upheld as a reliable route to self-knowledge, involves examining one's thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. It underpins many psychological practices, from mindfulness meditation to psychotherapy and self-help strategies. However, empirical evidence challenges the accuracy of introspection as a means of understanding oneself.Limitations of Introspective InsightSeminal work by Nisbett and Wilson demonstrated that individuals are frequently unaware of the true causes...
428
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
944
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
944
01:29Psychodynamic Therapy
935
Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...
935