Compassion Research that Needs to Be Done
Links last updated: Aug, 2010
Author: W. David Hoisington, Ph. D.
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More Accurately Define the Construct of Compassion
Examine the Relational Features and Mutuallty of Compassion
Document the "Well-being" Associated with Compassion
Explore Effective Ways to Measure and Teach Compassion
Some research has been done on this and is presented on this website and associated links. What remains to be done is detailed research on pairs (practitioner and participant) before, during and after entering the compassion space.
The main emphasis of this website has been to explore, and present to the public, the broad range of phenomena that fall under the definition of compassion. Data is being collected from the public regarding their varied definitions of compassion using a survey. These varied compassion phenomena are placed all within the construct of compassion using the Theory of Compassion Development. Underlying the Theory of Compassion Development is a philosophy of compassion and basic assumptions about compssion. A more accurate definition of compassion is needed if compassion research, for example the topics listed below, is to have construct validity. In addition a more accurate compassion definition will help the teaching of compassion.
Much of the research that has been done on compassion has focused on individuals, their state of mind, and their self reporting of compassion related feelings. But compassion is defined as having relational features, meaning that one person is acting in a way that affects the well being of another. These relational features are touched upon in The Healing Relationship, but they need to be examined in experimental settings - for example the neurological and physical characteristics could be measured of a couple before, during and after enterring the compassion space. In addition there is often mutuality in the compassion experience, meaning that both the giver and the receiver of compassion experience a shift in well being. This mutuality needs to be explored in more detail. This can be done using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Some research has been done on this and is presented on this website and associated links. What remains to be done is detailed research on 1) a compassion measurement tool based on a more accurate compassion definition, and 2) examination of various teaching approaches using a more accurate compassion measurement tool. Qualitative research may be used as an initial look at peoples experiences with compassion teaching.
Religion and Compassion
Compassion has been, over the centuries, a foundational component within many of the world's greatest religions. Despite all the writing available, what is needed is more scholarly work that addresses the following: 1) the similarities and differences in understanding/practicing compassion across religions, 2) a detailed look at how the term compasion is used within each of the sacred texts, 3) a look at the common day practice of compassion within religious organizations, and 4) a scholarly work on Christian compassion that includes Christ like "witnessing". There are many Buddhist books that speak to compassion. What would also be nice is a scholarly summation of all that has been written on the subject from the Buddhist perspective.
Developed Compassion and the Concept of "Flow"
The concept of "flow", or being "in the zone" - one with the moment, has been applied to sports accomplishments. Could the same idea be applied to the helping relationship? Could there be moments of "flow" in the helping relationship? What would they look like? Some of the writings on this website suggest that well developed compassion contains these "flow" moments and that they have a mutual effect on promoting well being. This is fertile ground for additional research which not only would elaborate on the details of compassion "flow" phenomenon but also their connections to experiences of mutual well being.
This is research currently being done by the Compassion Information Institute
The teaching aspect is research currently being done by the Compassion Information Institute
Radiant Compassion - Can Its Effects be Measured?
One of the projects the Compassion Information Institute has proposed is to develop a virtual reality compassion training tool. This project is outlined in on the A Clash of Cultures website.
It has been proposed within the writing on this site that there is something called radiant compassion. It may have an effect on other living things that can be measured.
Compassion versus Love - Why is the difference important?
It has been proposed within the writing on this site that compassion shold not be confused with love and that the term love refers to human attachments that are not necessary fir compassion but which are necessary for love. But the clarity of the distinction between the two needs research attention.