Compassion for others predicts better psychological well-being of the self

What is it about?

By far it is known that high compassion for others results in prosocial and helpful behavior toward others. In this study, we investigated whether experiencing compassion for others' suffering predicts one's own psychological well-being over a 15-year follow-up in adulthood. The sample consisted of more than 1300 Finnish adults (aged between 20-50 years during the follow-up). We found that high compassion for others predicted higher affective well-being (including higher positive affect and lower negative affect) and higher cognitive well-being (higher social support, life satisfaction, subjective health, and optimism). Moreover, we found that high compassion was more likely to predict one's well-being than vice versa.

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Why is it important?

The results showed that high compassion for others' suffering may increase one's own well-being. Previously, it has been suggested that a certain level of well-being may be required before being able to alleviate others' suffering. Our results, however, showed that experiencing compassion for others increases one's psychological well-being. Further, the results showed that experiencing compassion increases one's well-being in variety of sectors from positive affect to life satisfaction. Finally, the results suggest that compassion may promote long-term well-being (contrary to a variety of other issues, such as high income, that may result only in a temporary increase in well-being).

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