Two studies from different research teams found that the same simple exercise can boost compassion and courage. The teams were studying totally different outcomes, but both used the same simple fifteen-minute psychological intervention.
In one study, the intervention reduced schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in another person’s suffering. After the brief intervention, participants reported less schadenfreude in response to another person’s failures. And while most people savor schadenfreude as positive emotion, it can be a major obstacle to our happiness. The more we enjoy other people’s suffering, the harder it is to feel sympathetic joy (happiness for others), compassion for others, and even self-compassion.
In the second study, the intervention increased bravery. Participants became more willing to learn about their own medical risks, something many people resist because they are afraid to find out that they might be sick. This kind of openness to threatening information doesn’t just save lives; it’s the foundation for being able to try on new perspectives and learn from your mistakes.
Together, these studies suggest one fifteen-minute task can increase both courage and compassion.
Together, these studies suggest one fifteen-minute task can increase both courage and compassion.
So what was…
