What is compassion and how can we measure it? A review of definitions and measures

Strauss, Clara; Taylor, Billie Lever; Gu, Jenny; Kuyken, Willem; Baer, Ruth A.; Jones, F. W.; Cavanagh, Kate

doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2016.05.004

Cited by 665 publications

(775 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…In a recent major review Strauss, et al [111] suggests the following "….we propose a new definition of compassion as a cognitive, affective, and behavioral process consisting of the following five elements that refer to both self-and other-compassion: 1) Recognizing suffering; 2) Understanding the universality of suffering in human experience; 3) Feeling empathy for the person suffering and connecting with the distress (emotional resonance); 4) Tolerating uncomfortable feelings aroused in response to the suffering person (e.g. distress, anger, fear) so remaining open to and accepting of the person suffering; and 5) Motivation to act/acting to alleviate suffering.…”

Section: Approaches To Compassionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The development of compassionate engagement and action scales for self and others

Gilbert

Catarino

Duarte

et al. 2017

J of Compassionate Health Care

336

345

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Background: Studies of the value of compassion on physical and mental health and social relationships have proliferated in the last 25 years. Although, there are several conceptualisations and measures of compassion, this study develops three new measures of compassion competencies derived from an evolutionary, motivational approach. The scales assess 1. the compassion we experience for others, 2. the compassion we experience from others, and 3. self-compassion based on a standard definition of compassion as a 'sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to try to alleviate and prevent it'. We explored these in relationship to other compassion scales, self-criticism, depression, anxiety, stress and well-being. Methods: Participants from three different countries (UK, Portugal and USA) completed a range of scales including compassion for others, self-compassion, self-criticism, shame, depression, anxiety and stress with the newly developed 'The Compassionate Engagement and Actions' scale.

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Section: Approaches To Compassionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The development of compassionate engagement and action scales for self and others

Gilbert

Catarino

Duarte

et al. 2017

J of Compassionate Health Care

336

345

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In the literature, there appears to be a broad consensus that compassion involves feeling for a person who is suffering and being motivated to act to help them (Strauss et al, 2016). This view was reinforced during the discussion on compassion in the focus group with constituents making statements such as 'I just want to help people' (RP4, female, clerical position, late 50s); 'I get so emotional to see or discover other people's living conditions and I always feel the need to help those in need' (RP9, female, professional, early 30s).…”

Section: Compassionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This view was reinforced during the discussion on compassion in the focus group with constituents making statements such as 'I just want to help people' (RP4, female, clerical position, late 50s); 'I get so emotional to see or discover other people's living conditions and I always feel the need to help those in need' (RP9, female, professional, early 30s). Compassion is frequently linked to kindness, defined by the Oxford Dictionary as 'the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate' (Strauss et al, 2016).…”

Section: Compassionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The experiences of employees participating in organisational corporate social responsibility initiatives

Cook

Geldenhuys

2018

SA j. ind. psychol.

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Orientation: This article is about the experiences of employees who actively participate in organisational corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Research purpose: The general aim of this study was to explore the experiences of employees who participate in CSR initiatives within an organisation where a well-developed framework exists. Motivation for the study: Whilst an emergent number of studies have considered the various dimensions of CSR initiatives, the focus appears to be on stakeholders such as the recipients of CSR, organisations, consumers and shareholders but not the perspective of the employees who actively participate in CSR initiatives. Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research approach was employed with the intent of exploring the experiences of employees participating in organisational CSR initiatives. Data were collected and analysed from a purposive sample of 12 employees, by means of interactive qualitative analysis. Main findings: The study revealed that the primary driver that motivates employees to participate in CSR is love. Love sparks a sense of compassion. Compassion, coupled with an enabling environment, stimulates generosity. By being generous, a feeling of hope and inspiration is induced in both the givers and receivers of generosity. A secondary outcome of generosity and hope and inspiration is bringing about change to others, and whilst going through this journey and making a difference in the lives of others, participants experience a progressive change within themselves. This change evokes a feeling of fulfilment, and ultimately a feeling of complete joy. Contributions or value-add: This research complements existing CSR literature by focussing and reporting on the experiences of the employee as an important stakeholder.

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“…This may be the reason why people sometimes still expect reciprocity when they give something to others. Strauss et al (2016) talk about compassion. According to him despite widely increasing attention, the definition of compassion is still not fully agreed upon and lacks robust measure.…”

Section: Definition Of Generositymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Three publications were found that define and give terminology related to generosity: Codrea (2014), Strauss, Baer, &Cavanagh (2016), andJensen (2016). Codrea (2014) reveals the definition of gift from an anthropological perspective, which is different from the rigid civil notion of donation.…”

Section: Definition Of Generositymentioning

confidence: 99%

Generosity’s antecedents and outcomes - A proposed relationship between Generosity and Intention in Indonesia’s BPJS Kesehatan

Dwidienawati¹,

Abdinagoro²

2018

JBRMR

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What is compassion and how can we measure it? A review of definitions and measures

Cited by 665 publications

References 41 publications

The development of compassionate engagement and action scales for self and others

The development of compassionate engagement and action scales for self and others

The experiences of employees participating in organisational corporate social responsibility initiatives

Generosity’s antecedents and outcomes - A proposed relationship between Generosity and Intention in Indonesia’s BPJS Kesehatan

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