Application
A tool for learning and/or teaching how to develop compassion using analytical meditation.
Key Benefits
- Integrated, guided meditations for the systematic development of compassion.
- Adaptable format for implementing over days or weeks as needed.
- Suitable for a variety of ages.
Market Summary
Compassion is necessary to maintain positive mental health and social involvement. The benefits are not solely mental; studies have shown a correlation between practicing compassion and maintaining lower stress and improved immune system function. Further, practicing self-compassion can aid in the development of resilience and lessen the impact of trauma and depression. Research suggests that developing deeper levels of compassion is trainable; however, to experience benefits for self and others, compassion must extend past biological inclination and effective methods for this purpose are limited.
Technical Summary
Researchers at Emory developed a six-part manual for teaching and learning how to develop compassion. CBCT™ (Cogntively-Based Compassion Training) I is a meditation method that, distinct from mindfulness meditation, involves reflection and close observation using indirect evidence to gain insight into feelings, emotions, and experiences. Participants engage in integrated, cumulative meditations with guided recordings for the systematic development of compassion. Potential applications for CBCT™, include but are not limited to research studies, counseling centers, schools, rehabilitation facilities, and hospitals.
Developmental Stage
This manual has been reduced to practice and used in several clinical trials.
Publications
Pace, T. et al. (2009). Psychoneuroendocrinology. 34:87-98.
Pace, T. et al. (2013) Psychoneuroendocrinology. 38:294-299.
Dodds, S. et al. (2015) Support Care Cancer. 23(12):3599-3608.
Pace, T. et al. (2012) BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 12:P175.