Compassion for others and well-being: a meta-analysis

Compassion has been shown to improve well-being across multiple settings. While the link between self-compassion and well-being is well-established, findings on compassion for others have been more mixed. Using a multilevel approach, this meta-analysis of 54 effect sizes examined the relationship between compassion for others and well-being. The results revealed a moderate, statistically significant positive association (r = .26), suggesting that compassion for others contributes meaningfully to overall well-being. This relationship was consistent for psychological well-being, cognitive well-being, social well-being, and positive affect, whereas the results were weaker for negative affect. Furthermore, results showed that this relationship is not moderated by age, gender, or region. In addition, we examined if there is a causal relationship between compassion for others and well-being examining six effect sizes for state and trait compassion interventions. The results showed moderate improvements in well-being following compassion-based training, indicating promising but preliminary evidence for a causal effect. However, the absence of consistent control group comparisons limits firm conclusions about causality. This meta-analysis presents the first rigorous synthesis of evidence linking compassion for others to well-being, highlighting compassion for others as a distinct and meaningful contributor.