Does brief mindfulness training increase empathy? The role of personality

Abstract

This study sought to investigate if a short mindfulness induction can augment empathic functioning, while taking into account the role of the personality traits. Analysis of 102 participants suggests that a short mindfulness induction is most effective in improving cognitive empathy in individuals with lower trait Conscientiousness and Extraversion scores. No evidence was found for a moderation effect with regard to affective empathy. Results of this study are incongruent with studies utilising self-report measures of empathic functioning, but congruent with both predictions from personality theory as well as studies not assessing empathy through self-report measures. Implications for understanding the relationship between personality and mindfulness, as well as appropriate assessment procedures, are discussed.