Research about the impact of Cognitively based Compassion Training (CBCT)

CBCT offers a comprehensive method for training compassion that draws on the ancient Indo-Tibetan Buddhism traditions and is supported by scientific research in fields such as evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Growing research in the field of compassion science links compassion training to greater resilience and wellbeing, as well as moderating stress, anxiety and depression. For example, studies have suggested that compassion training not only lowers stress hormones and strengthens immune response, but also decreases rumination, activates pleasure circuits in the brain, increases self-reported happiness, creates more optimistic and supportive communication styles, and serves as an antidote to burnout. CBCT is one of the most researched compassion training programs, with the following outcomes:

Significant decrease in:

• stress biomarkers and inflammatory response

• depression

• loneliness

• PTSD symptoms

Significant increase in:

• compassion and related neural activity

• empathy and related neural activity

• self-compassion

• hopefulness

CBCT® has been the subject of numerous formal research studies since its development in 2004. Early studies, led by Charles Raison, MD, suggested strongly that the practice of CBCT would positively influence key blood-based biomarkers of stress and inflammation. Later studies show that CBCT® may improve the ability to interpret facial expressions along with increasing activity in the parts of the brain associated with empathic reasoning. Further information about the evidence and research related to CBCT can be found at www.compassion.emory.edu/research.html.