Evolutionary Roots of Compassion

Compassion

Researchers from the fields of psychological health and wellness define compassion as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another's suffering and feel motivated to take action (The Greater Good Science Center, 2020). The Greater Good goes on to write, "This research has shown that when we feel compassion, our heart rate slows down, we secrete the 'bonding hormone' oxytocin, and regions of the brain linked to empathy, caregiving, and feelings of pleasure light up, which often results in our wanting to approach and care for other people."

Last modified: Wednesday, 23 September 2020, 9:31 AM