Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Observing Virtual Social Interactions
Published on: July 6, 2011
Mindfulness Promotes Online Prosocial Behavior via Cognitive Empathy
Yiqing Lv1, Xiuqing Qiao1, Jie Leng1
1Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
Abstract:
Mindfulness plays an important role in promoting prosocial behavior and well-being. With the spread of Internet usage, people's online prosocial behavior (OPB) has garnered great attention. Based on the link between online and offline behaviors, we predict that mindfulness can also facilitate OPB. We examined the association of mindfulness and OPB and the mediating effect of empathy. A total of 674 Chinese undergraduate students completed self-report measures of these constructs. The results showed that different dimensions of mindfulness predicted empathy, which in turn predicted OPB. Perspective taking was the main mediator in the mindfulness-OPB link. Mindfulness improves receptiveness to others' needs and feelings, thereby enhancing the willingness to help them, even in none-face-to-face situations.
Related Concept Videos
Empathy
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
The Influence of Cognition on Affect
Causes of Social Behavior II: Cognitive Processes
Egoism and Altruism
Self-Awareness and Its Effects

