Compassion for others and well-being: a meta-analysis
M Zhuniq1, F Winter1, C Aguilar-Raab2
1Clinical Psychology, Interaction- and Psychotherapy Research, Institute for Compassionate Awareness and Interdependence Research and Practice IN-CARE, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|October 20, 2025
Summary
Compassion for others positively impacts well-being, according to a meta-analysis. While evidence suggests a causal link, more research is needed to confirm this connection.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Science
Background:
- Self-compassion's link to well-being is established, but compassion for others' impact is less clear.
- Previous research shows mixed findings regarding compassion for others and its effect on well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis examining the relationship between compassion for others and well-being.
- To investigate potential causal links between compassion for others and well-being through interventions.
Main Methods:
- A multilevel meta-analysis of 54 effect sizes was performed.
- Intervention studies (six effect sizes) were analyzed to explore causality.
Main Results:
- A moderate, significant positive association (r=0.26) was found between compassion for others and overall well-being.
- The positive relationship was consistent across psychological, cognitive, and social well-being, and positive affect.
- Interventions involving compassion training showed moderate improvements in well-being, suggesting a potential causal effect, though preliminary.
Conclusions:
- Compassion for others is a distinct and meaningful contributor to overall well-being.
- While preliminary evidence suggests a causal link, further research with robust control groups is necessary to confirm causality.
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