A model for cognitively-based compassion training: theoretical underpinnings and proposed mechanisms

Marcia Ash,Timothy Harrison,Ralph Diclemente,Melissa Pinto,Lobsang Tenzin Negi

doi:10.1057/s41285-019-00124-x

Abstract

Across cultures and belief systems, compassion is widely considered to be beneficial for the development of personal and social wellbeing. Research indicates that compassion-training programs have broad health benefits, but how and why compassion-training programs are effective is still relatively unknown. This paper describes the theoretical underpinnings of a specific compassion-training program, CBCT® (Cognitively-Based Compassion Training), and proposes an integrative model that draws on existing health behavior constructs to identify CBCT’s core components and hypothesizes their directionality and interaction. The model includes two primary categories of skill development: (1) intrapersonal skills leading to greater resiliency, and (2) interpersonal skills leading to greater compassion. It is hypothesized that these two pathways are mutually reinforcing and both contribute to greater wellbeing. This model provides a foundation for theory-driven research on the underlying mechanisms in CBCT training. An understanding of CBCT’s mechanisms is a critical step towards optimizing and personalizing the intervention to meet the needs of specific populations.

Highlights

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model that explains how the components of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) lead to greater resilience, compassion, and wellbeing
The CBCT integrative model provides a framework for future theory-driven research on CBCT
It is our goal that the CBCT integrative model provides a conceptual framework to understand the psychosocial processes that influence such change

Summary

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model that explains how the components of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) lead to greater resilience, compassion, and wellbeing. Some compassion-training programs use a process of cognitive reframing to cultivate a wish to see others free from suffering (Jazaieri et al 2012; Ozawa-de Silva and Dodson-Lavelle 2011). Current compassion-training programs, including CBCT (Pace et al 2009), Compassion Cultivation Training (Jazaieri et al 2012), Mindful Self-Compassion (Neff and Germer 2013), Compassion-Focused Therapy (Gilbert 2014), and MindfulnessBased Compassionate Living (Schuling et al 2018), have been conceptualized under broad frameworks (e.g., compassion meditation (CM)) with modest emphasis on describing the specific practices and pedagogical models

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Discussion

Conclusion