Does Mindfulness Training Without Explicit Ethics-Based Instruction Promote Prosocial Behaviors? A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

<jats:p> Scholarly discourse has raised concerns about the gravitas of secular mindfulness trainings in promoting prosocial outgrowths, as these trainings lack ethics-based concepts found in contemplative traditions. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to test whether mindfulness trainings absent explicit ethics-based instructions promote prosocial action. There was a range of small to medium standardized mean difference effect sizes of mindfulness training on overt acts of prosociality when compared with active and inactive controls, k = 29, N = 3,100, g = .426, 95% confidence interval (CI)( g) = [.304, .549]. Reliable effect size estimates were found for single-session interventions that measured prosocial behavior immediately after training. Mindfulness training also reliably promotes compassionate (but not instrumental or generous) helping and reliably reduces prejudice and retaliation. Publication bias analyses indicated that the reliability of these findings was not wholly dependent on selective reporting. Implications for the science of secular mindfulness training on prosocial action are discussed. </jats:p>

Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review

“…voluntary behaviour intended to benefit another). 65 , 66 A systematic review found medium effects on prosocial behaviours for both correlational and intervention studies, and the effects are similar to known and unknown others. 65 The results suggest that mindfulness fosters ethical and cooperative behaviour across a range of interpersonal contexts and may reduce intergroup biases.…”

“… 65 Another recent review with 29 studies also find similar results with small to medium effect sizes, suggesting MBIs reliably improve compassionate helping and reduces prejudice and retaliation. 66 Furthermore, MBIs can effectively reduce anger, 67 violence 68 and aggression. 69 It also may help improve social and ecological sustainability, by improving individuals’ subjective well-being and benign connection with others, the society and the nature.…”

When it really counts: Investigating the relation between trait mindfulness and actual prosocial behavior

“…Recent meta-analyses on the effects of various kinds of long-term meditation interventions (such as loving kindness meditation or mindfulness-based programs) on prosocial outcomes revealed mixed evidence: While Luberto et al ( 2018 ) concluded that “meditation can improve prosocial emotions and behaviors” (p. 708), Kreplin et al ( 2018 ) identified “a number of biases and theoretical problems that need addressing to improve quality of research in this area”. Exclusively meta-analyzing studies using experimental mindfulness interventions and assessments of actual prosocial behavior, Berry et al ( 2020 ) reported an overall positive significant effect size ( Hedges’ g = .43). However, in contrast to compassion-related outcomes, effect sizes referring to generosity (studies using economic games) or instrumental helping behavior outcomes clustered around zero and “may not be mutable to training in mindfulness” (Berry et al, 2020 , p. 17).…”

“…This further attenuates automatic and impulsive processes and increases awareness of others’ needs in the social environment (e.g., Condon, 2019 ). Accordingly, it is argued that mindfulness should promote prosociality, especially in circumstances that typically inhibit prosociality (Berry et al, 2020 ), such as the presence of bystanders (Condon et al, 2013 ). Second, mindfulness is assumed to facilitate disengaging from mental contents by meeting them with nonjudgmental acceptance.…”

Comparing the effects of a mindfulness versus relaxation intervention on romantic relationship wellbeing

“…It has been suggested that the effects of mindfulness may generalize beyond the individual into the interpersonal domain 8 , 9 . More specifically, both in- and outside academia various claims have been made about the potential benefits of mindfulness in promoting romantic relationship functioning 10 , 11 .…”