Mindfulness training selectively reduces altruistic behaviour in low-cost situations

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Prosocial behavior and mindfulness are debated topics.
• Limited research exists on mindfulness training's impact on altruism in real-world, varying cost scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how mindfulness training affects altruistic willingness across different cost levels.
• To explore the relationship between specific mindfulness facets and altruistic behavior.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention was administered to 41 female participants.
• Participants were randomly assigned to either the MBCT group or a control group.
• The Empathy-Altruism Task and Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) were used for pre- and post-intervention assessments.

Main Results:

• The MBCT group showed a significant increase in overall FFMQ scores post-intervention.
• Interestingly, the MBCT group's willingness to help decreased in low-cost situations.
• Increased 'observing' facet scores positively correlated with willingness to help in high-cost situations.

Conclusions:

• Eight weeks of MBCT effectively enhanced mindfulness levels.
• Mindfulness training may paradoxically reduce altruistic willingness in low-cost, real-life situations.
• Specific mindfulness facets, like observation, may influence altruism differently based on situational costs.