The Science of Compassion
The Science of Compassion
What makes compassion so exciting to us at Compassion Theory, is that there has been much scientific research done in the last 30 years that has allowed us to quantify the importance of being of benefit to others. We can now prove what we know in our hearts to be true!
Research across psychology, neuroscience, and organizational behavior confirms what many of us know intuitively: compassion is good for us. It’s not just a moral virtue—it’s a survival skill, a relational strength, and a biological asset.
Studies have shown that compassion:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Increases feelings of social connection
Strengthens resilience
Promotes cooperation and trust
Boosts mental and physical health
And it’s not just the receiver who benefits. The giver of compassion experiences physiological benefits as well—like reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and increased activity in brain regions associated with reward and caregiving.
In other words, compassion is contagious in the best way. It ripples.
