The case for mindfulness-based approaches in the cultivation of empathy: Does nonjudgmental, present-moment awareness increase capacity for perspective-taking and empathic concern?

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Volumn 33, Issue 4, 2007, Pages 501-516

  Block Lerner, Jennifer ^a   Adair, Carrie ^b   Plumb, Jennifer C ^c   Rhatigan, Deborah L ^d   Orsillo, Susan M ^e  

^a LA SALLE UNIVERSITY   (United States)

^b SKIDMORE COLLEGE   (United States)

^c UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA   (United States)

^d UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE   (United States)

^e SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY   (United States)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE; ALTRUISM; ARTICLE; CONSCIOUSNESS; CONTROL; COOPERATION; EMPATHY; HUMAN; HUMAN RELATION; QUALITY OF LIFE; SELF CONCEPT; SELF EVALUATION;

ALTRUISM; CONSCIOUSNESS; EMPATHY; HELPING BEHAVIOR; HUMANS; INTERNAL-EXTERNAL CONTROL; INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS; MIND-BODY RELATIONS (METAPHYSICS); QUALITY OF LIFE; SELF ASSESSMENT (PSYCHOLOGY); SELF CONCEPT;

EID: 35348877209     PISSN: 0194472X     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2007.00034.x     Document Type: Article

References (90)

1. Ainsworth, M. S. (1993). Attachment as related to mother-infant interaction. Advancements in Infancy Research, 8, 1 50.
2. Baer, R. A., Fischer, S. Huss, D. B. (2005). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy applied to binge eating: A case study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 12, 351 358.
3. Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T. Allen, K. B. (2004). Assessment of mindfulness by self-report: The Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills. Assessment, 11, 191 206.
4. Barrett-Lennard, G. T. (1981). The empathy cycle: Refinement of a nuclear concept. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 28, 91 100.
5. Batson, C. D. (1997). Self-other merging and the empathy-altruism hypothesis: Reply to Neuberg et al. (1997). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73, 517 522.
6. Beitel, M., Ferrer, E. Cecero, J. J. (2005). Psychological mindedness and awareness of self and others. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61, 739 750.
7. Bishop, S. R., Lau, M. Shapiro, S. (2004). Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11, 230 241.
8. Block-Lerner, J., Orsillo, S. M. Plumb, J. C. (2004, November). Various ways of approaching emotional events: The effects of mindful awareness, positive thinking, and relaxation preparations. In L. Roemer (Chair The role of emotion in anxiety disorders and intervention strategies: Experimental investigations of emotional processes. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, New Orleans, LA.
9. Block-Lerner, J., Salters-Pednault, K. Tull, M. T. (2005). Assessment of mindfulness and experiential acceptance: Attempts to capture inherently elusive phenomena. In S. M. Orsillo L. Roemer (Eds. Acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches to anxiety: Conceptualization and treatment. New York : Plenum Press/Kluwer Publishing.
10. Borkovec, T. D. Sharpless, B. (2004). Generalized anxiety disorder: Bringing cognitive-behavioral therapy into the valued present. In S. C. Hayes, V. Follette M. M. Linehan (Eds. Mindfulness and acceptance: Expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition. New York : Guilford.
11. Brems, C., Baldwin, M. Baxter, S. (1993). Empirical evaluation of a self psychologically oriented parent education program. Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies, 42, 26 30.
12. Brems, C., Fromme, D. K. Johnson, M. E. (1992). Group modifications of empathetic verbalizations and self-disclosure. Journal of Social Psychology, 132, 189 200.
13. Brown, K. W. Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 822 848.
14. Brown, K. W. Ryan, R. M. (2004). Perils and promise in defining and measuring mindfulness: Observations from experience. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11, 242 248.
15. Burns, D. D. Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (1992). Therapeutic empathy and recovery from depression in cognitive-behavioral therapy: A structural equation model. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60, 441 449.
16. Carson, J. W., Carson, K. M., Gil, K. M. Baucom, D. H. (2004). Mindfulness-based relationship enhancement. Behavior Therapy, 35, 471 494.
17. Christensen, A. Jacobson, N. (2000). Reconcilable differences. New York : Guilford.
18. Cliffordson, C. (2002). The hierarchical structure of empathy: Dimensional organization and relations to social functioning. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 43, 49 59.
19. Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: Evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44, 113 126.
20. Davis, M. H. Oathout, H. A. (1987). Maintenance of satisfaction in romantic relationships: Empathy and relational competence. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 397 410.
21. Dimidjian, S. Linehan, M. M. (2003). Defining an agenda for future research on the clinical application of mindfulness practice. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10, 166 171.
22. Dovidio, J. F., Allen, J. L. Schroeder, D. A. (1990). Specificity of empathy-induced helping: Evidence for altruistic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59, 249 260.
23. Duan, C. Hill, C. E. (1996). The current state of empathy research. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 43, 261 274.
24. Feldman, G. C., Hayes, A. M., Kumar, S. M. Greeson, J. M. (2003). Clarifying the construct of mindfulness: Relations with emotional avoidance, overengagement, and change with mindfulness training. In K. Salters J. Block-Lerner (Chairs Mindfulness and acceptance-based behavioral therapies: Methodologies and mechanisms. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Boston, MA.
25. Fruzzetti, A. E. Fruzetti, A. R. (2003). Borderline personality disorder. In D. Snyder M. A. Whisman (Eds. Treating difficult couples: Helping clients with coexisting mental and relationship disorders (pp. 235 260). New York : Guilford.
26. Fruzzetti, A. E. Iverson, K. M. (2004). Mindfulness, acceptance, validation, and ''individual'' psychopathology in couples. In S. C. Hayes, V. M. Follette M. M. Linehan (Eds. Mindfulness and acceptance: Expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition (pp. 168 191). New York : Guilford Press.
27. Fruzzetti, A. E., Shenk, C., Mosco, E. Lowry, K. (2003). Emotion regulation. In W. O'Donohue, J. E. Fisher S. C. Hayes (Eds. Cognitive behavior therapy: Applying empirically supported techniques in your practice (pp. 152 159). Hoboken, NJ : John Wiley & Sons.
28. Greenberg, L. S., Watson, J. C., Elliott, R. Bohart, A. C. (2001). Empathy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 38, 380 384.
29. Grossman, P., Niemann, L, Schmidt, S. Walach, H. (2004). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 57, 35 43.
30. Hanson, R. K. (2003). Empathy deficits of sexual offenders: A conceptual model. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 9, 13 23.
31. Hatcher, S. L., Nadeau, M. S. Walsh, L. K. (1994). The teaching of empathy for high school and college students: Testing Rogerian methods with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Adolescence, 29, 961 974.
32. Hayes, A. M. Feldman, G. (2004). Clarifying the construct of mindfulness in the context of emotion regulation and the process of change in therapy. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11, 255 262.
33. Hayes, S. C., Follette, V. M. Linehan, M. M. (2004). Mindfulness and acceptance:Expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition. New York : Guilford Press.
34. Hayes, S. C., Masuda, A., Bissett, R., Luoma, J. Guerrero, L. F. (2004). DBT, FAP, and ACT: How empirically oriented are the new behavior therapy technologies? Behavior Therapy, 35, 35 54.
35. Hayes, S. C. Shenk, C. (2004). Operationalizing mindfulness without unnecessary attachments. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11, 249 254.
36. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D. Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. New York : Guilford Press.
37. Hayes, S. C. Wilson, K. G. (2003). Mindfulness: Method and process. Clinical Psychology: Science & Practice, 10, 161 165.
38. Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. G., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M. Strosahl, K. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders: A functional dimensional approach to diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64, 1152 1168.
39. Herbek, T. A. Yammarino, F. J. (1990). Empathy training for hospital staff nurses. Group and Organization Management, 15, 279 295.
40. Hoffman, M. L. (1994). Discipline and internalization. Developmental Psychology, 30, 26 28.
41. Hoffman, M. L. (2000). Empathy and moral development. Implications for caring and justice. New York : Cambridge University Press.
42. Hofmann, S. G. Barlow, D. H. (2002). Social phobia (social anxiety disorder). In D. H. Barlow (Ed. Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic (2nd ed., pp. 454 476). New York : Guilford.
43. Hubble, M. A., Duncan, B. L. Miller, S. D. (1999). Directing attention to what works. The heart and soul of change: What works in therapy. Washington, DC : American Psychological Association.
44. Hughes, R., Tingle, B. A. Sawin, D. B. (1981). Development of empathetic understanding in children. Child Development, 52, 122 128.
45. Izard, C. (2001). Emotional intelligence or adaptive emotions? Emotion, 1, 249 257.
46. Jiao, S., Ji, G. Jing, Q. (1986). Comparative study of behavioral qualities of only children and sibling children. Child Development, 57, 357 361.
47. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. New York : Dell.
48. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. New York : Hyperion.
49. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005). Coming to our senses: Healing ourselves and the world through mindfulness. New York : Hyperion.
50. Kabat-Zinn, M. Kabat-Zinn, J. (1997). Everyday blessings: The inner work of mindful parenting. New York : Hyperion.
51. Kilpatrick, S. D., Bissonnette, V. L. Rusbult, C. E. (2002). Empathic accuracy and accommodative behavior among newly married couples. Personal Relationships, 9, 369 393.
52. Kruger, A. C. Tomasello, M. (1986). Transactive discussions with peers and adults. Developmental Psychology, 22, 681 685.
53. Kumar, S. M. (2002). An introduction to Buddhism for the cognitive-behavioral therapist. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 9, 40 43.
54. Linehan, M. M. (1993a). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York : Guilford Press.
55. Linehan, M. M. (1993b). Skills training manual for cognitive behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York : Guilford.
56. Linehan, M. M. (1997). Validation and psychotherapy. In A. Bohart L. Greenberg (Eds. Empathy reconsidered: New directions (pp. 353 392). Washington, DC : American Psychological Association.
57. Linehan, M. M., Armstrong, H. E. Suarez, A. (1991). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronically parasuicidal borderline patients. Archives of General Psychiatry, 48, 1060 1064.
58. Linehan, M. M., Heard, H. L. Armstrong, H. E. (1993). Naturalistic follow-up of a behavioral treatment for chronically parasuicidal borderline patients. Archives of General Psychiatry, 50, 971 974.
59. Long, E. C. J. Andrews, D. W. (1990). Perspective taking as a predictor of marital adjustment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59, 126 131.
60. Long, E. C. J., Angera, J. J., Carter, S. J., Nakamoto, M. Kalso, M. (1999). Understanding the one you love: A longitudinal assessment of an empathy training program for couples in romantic relationships. Family Relations, 48, 235 348.
61. Lopes, P. N., Salovey, P., Côté, S., Beers, M. Petty, R. E. (2005). Emotion regulation abilities and the quality of social interaction. Emotion, 5, 113 118.
62. Ma, S. H. Teasdale, J. D. (2004). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: Replication and exploration of differential relapse prevention effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, 31 40.
63. Mahler, M. S. (1974). Symbiosis and individuation: The psychological birth of the human infant. Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 29, 89 106.
64. Mikulincer, M., Gillath, O. Halevy, V. (2001). Attachment theory and reactions to others' needs: Evidence that activation of the sense of attachment security promotes empathic responses. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81, 1205 1224.
65. Mikulincer, M. Shaver, P. R. (2005). Attachment security, compassion, and altruism. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14, 34 38.
66. Moustgaard, A. K. (2005). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for stroke survivors: An application of a novel intervention. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 65 (11-B 6054.
67. Murrell, A. R., Coyne, L. W. Wilson, K. G. (1974). ACT with children, adolescents, and their parents. In S. C. Hayes K. Strosahl (Eds. A practical guide to acceptance and commitment therapy (pp. 249 273). New York : Springer.
68. Orsillo, S. M. Roemer, L. (2007). Acceptance-based behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Unpublished treatment manual.
69. Patore, F. (1995). Empathy training course packet for medical students. Valhalla : New York Medical College.
70. Pennebaker, J. W. Francis, M. E. (1999). Linguistic inquiry and word count (LIWC). Mahwah, NJ : Erlbaum.
71. Piaget, J. (1932). The moral judgment of the child. Oxford, England : Harcourt Brace.
72. Purdon, C. (1999). Thought suppression and psychopathology. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37, 1029 1054.
73. Richter, L. (2004). The importance of caregiver-child interactions for the survival and healthy development of young children: A review. Geneva, Switzerland : World Health Organization.
74. Roemer, L. Orsillo, S. M. (2002). Expanding our conceptualization of and treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: Integrating mindfulness/acceptance- based approaches with existing cognitive-behavioral models (Featured article). Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 9, 54 68.
75. Rogers, C. R. (1992). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change (APA Centennial Feature). Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60, 827 832.
76. Rosenzweig, S., Reibel, D. K., Greeson, J. M., Brainard, G. C. Hojat, M. (2003). Mindfulness-based stress reduction lowers psychological distress in medical students. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 15, 88 92.
77. Rude, S. S., Gortner, E. M. Pennebaker, J. W. (2004). Language use of depressed and depression-vulnerable college students. Cognition and Emotion, 18, 1121 1133.
78. Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. Teasdale, J. D. (2002). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression: A new approach to preventing relapse. New York : Guilford.
79. Shapiro, S. L., Astin, J. A., Bishop, S. R. Cordova, M 2005). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for health care professionals: Results from a randomized trial. International Journal of Stress Management, 12, 164 176.
80. Shapiro, S. L., Schwartz, G. E. Bonner, G. (1998). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on medical and premedical students. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 21, 581 599.
81. Skinner, B. F. (1974). On behaviorism. New York : Random House.
82. Spurr, J. M. Stopa, L. (2002). Self-focused attention in social phobia and social anxiety. Clinical Psychology Review, 22, 947 975.
83. Teasdale, J. D., Moore, R. G. Hayhurst, H. (2002). Metacognitive awareness and prevention of relapse in depression: Empirical evidence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 275 287.
84. Teasdale, J. D., Segal, Z. V. Williams, J. M. G. (2003). Mindfulness training and problem formulation. Clinical Psychology: Science & Practice, 10, 157 160.
85. Teasdale, J. D., Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., Ridgeway, V. A., Soulsby, J. M. Lau, M. A. (2000). Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68, 615 623.
86. Wachs, K. Cordova, J. V. (2004). Mindful relating: The effects of mindfulness on marital quality. In K. Wach (Chair Toward a theory of mindful relating: Theory, data, and implications. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, New Orleans, LA.
87. Wispé, L. (1986). The distinction between sympathy and empathy: To call forth a concept, a word is needed. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50, 314 321.
88. Woody, S. R. Rodriguez, B. F. (2000). Self-focused attention and social anxiety in social phobics and normal controls. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 24, 473 488.
89. Wormith, J. S. Hanson, K. R. (1992). The treatment of sexual offenders in Canada: An update. Canadian Psychology, 33, 180 198.
90. Worthen, M. F. (2000). The role of empathy in adolescent friendship. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 61 (2-B 1116.