Pleine conscience et empathie : impact des composants cognitifs, émotionnels et éthiques de la pleine conscience dans sa relation au phénomène empathique

Mindfulness is simply a state of mind, a way of being that originates from the millenary and spiritual Buddhist background. Since its entry in our western clinics and laboratories, mindfulness has been mainly practiced for its intrapersonal benefits (e.g., stress reduction). Nevertheless, several authors argue that interpersonal changes, such as benevolence, compassion and empathy, should naturally emerge from a diligent practice of mindfulness. Empirical data from secularized and standardized mindfulness interventions, however, only partially support this assumption, while lacking empirically supported explanations regarding underlying mechanisms. Therefore, our research first aimed at exploring the respective impact of mindfulness components, manipulated separately (vs. in an integrated manner), on empathic responding. Second, as regards to the discrepancy between expected effects and actual observations, we reflected upon the integrity of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). As suggested by the Buddhist literature and evidences of benefits from compassion training regarding empathy, we measured the cumulative effects of the explicit integration of Buddhist ethics and wisdom into a standard MBI. Overall, mindfulness (components) did not prove efficient regarding empathy development. However, we believe several perspectives, notably in line with individual and cultural differences, might shed further light on the relationship between mindfulness and empathy.(PSYE - Sciences psychologiques et de l'éducation) -- UCL, 201