Exploring the Multidimensional Links Between Trait Mindfulness and Trait Empathy

Abstract

Empathy and mindfulness are currently major topics of scientific interest. Although it is well-known that mindfulness—typically as an outcome related to meditation—generates empathy at the state level, only a small number of studies have documented the trait (i.e., personality) level association between mindfulness and empathy. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms (subcomponents and mediator variables) that support this association remain unclear. Thus, here, with a focus on the trait level, we investigated relationships among multiple subcomponents of trait mindfulness and trait empathy (Study 1). Next, we reexamined the aforementioned relationships in an independent sample, with the further aim of investigating relevant mediation factors (Study 2). We found that two attention-related components of trait mindfulness—observing and acting with awareness—reliably and positively related to both affective and cognitive dimensions of trait empathy (i.e., empathic concern and perspective taking). Furthermore, we found that effortful control, reappraisal, and trait alexithymia mediated relationships between the aforementioned attention-related components of trait mindfulness and empathic concern. Taken together, our results suggest that the links between mindfulness and empathy are multidimensional and complex. These findings may ultimately contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of meditation on empathy.

The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Impulsivity: The Role of Meditation

“…This supports the notion that mindfulness meditation practice encompasses and fosters trait mindfulness (Alhawatmeh et al, 2022;Himichi et al, 2021;Karl & Fischer, 2022;Kiken et al, 2015;Thiermann & Sheate, 2022), involving sustained attention to one's ongoing sensory, cognitive, and emotional experience, without giving in to the natural tendency to react, elaborate, or evaluate (Bishop et al, 2004;Keng et al, 2011;Papies et al, 2012).…”

Impacts of Tai Chi on Empathy Levels in Healthcare Professionals: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…The combination of mindfulness and physical activity may be impactful in increasing empathy levels in healthcare workers. Recent studies reported the impact of mindfulness on increasing empathy, compassion, and social behaviours towards helping others [8][9][10][11]. The findings of this study suggest the value of Tai Chi on enhancing empathy levels as evidenced by the increase in scores on the TEQ by all five participants.…”

“…Furthermore, qualitative studies have found that empathy training enhances practitioners' professional identity and development, improves understanding and awareness of patient experiences, and improves practitioner-patient relationships [24]. In future research, Tai Chi could be considered as another approach for empathy training, since it contains both mindfulness and physical activity, which have separately shown to impact empathy levels in prior research [8][9][10][11][12]23].…”

“…It has been suggested that these types of mindfulness-based activities promote enhanced empathy by helping healthcare professionals become more aware of their own thoughts and experiences in realtime. With this awareness, professionals may be able to more consciously and effectively attend to patients' experiences and understand their perspectives during difficult times [10][11].…”