Meditation buffers medical student compassion from the deleterious effects of depression.

Abstract

Increasing data suggest that for medical school students the stress of academic and psychologicaldemands can impair social emotions that are a core aspect of compassion and ultimately physiciancompetence. Few interventions have proven successful for enhancing physician compassion inways that persist in the face of suffering and that enable sustained caretaker well-being. To addressthis issue, the current study was designed to (1) investigate the feasibility of cognitively-basedcompassion training (CBCT) for second-year medical students, and (2) test whether CBCT decreasesdepression, enhances compassion, and improves daily functioning in medical students. Comparedto the wait-list group, students randomized to CBCT reported increased compassion, and decreasedloneliness and depression. Changes in compassion were most robust in individuals reporting highlevels of depression at baseline, suggesting that CBCT may benefit those most in need by breakingthe link between personal suffering and a concomitant drop in compassion

Effects of compassion training on brain responses to suffering others

“…One reason for caregiver burnout is the detachment, depersonalization and the erosion of meaning caused in part by repeated exposure to suffering others without tools for handling the accompanying emotional load (Maslach & Leiter, 2016). Our results suggest that CM could be investigated as a technique for maintaining positive emotional connections with patients, potentially reducing burnout (Mascaro et al, 2018) and enhancing patient outcomes (Kaptchuk et al, 2008; Rakel et al, 2011).…”

How to Heal the Healer: Combating Burnout Using Compassion and Mindfulness-Based Interventions

“…There exist a range of interventions/treatments that aim to develop compassion and mindfulness as a critical point in prevention, specifically in medical training. In one important recent study using a specific compassion-based intervention, Cognitively-based Compassion Training (CBCT), Mascaro et al examined its use in second year medical students and showed that there was indeed positive differences in depression, loneliness, sleep, and increased compassion over the course of the intervention in comparison to a wait-list group [1]. Additionally, those students who reported higher levels of depression pre-intervention were noted to receive more benefit in compassion scores than the other students [1].…”

“…In one important recent study using a specific compassion-based intervention, Cognitively-based Compassion Training (CBCT), Mascaro et al examined its use in second year medical students and showed that there was indeed positive differences in depression, loneliness, sleep, and increased compassion over the course of the intervention in comparison to a wait-list group [1]. Additionally, those students who reported higher levels of depression pre-intervention were noted to receive more benefit in compassion scores than the other students [1]. This shows the possibility that such interventions can assist the majority of students, and may also help in alleviating depressive symptoms and improving compassion in the most vulnerable students.…”

“…So, does compassion-based training among medical providers improve loneliness (as reported in the Mascaro study) through improving relationships [1]? Looking at the skills of CBCT, this assumption would appear natural, as skill development starts at attention and stability of mind, leading to active compassion for others, with progressing steps of cultivating self-compassion, gratitude for others, and empathy [1]. While these steps could be delivered individually, one power of group interventions involves realization of common humanity.…”

“…Highlighting specific programs aimed at developing compassion and mindfulness skills, we share our own perspectives and experiences implementing similarly focused programs. Promising results on the application of compassion-based programs show evidence of improvements to a number of measures of trainee wellbeing, particularly among the most vulnerable trainees, while results pertaining to mindfulness programs show improvements to performance as well [1,2]. As such, implementation of programs with emphasis on compassion and mindfulness could combat burnout, while also ensuring compassionate and excellent patient care.…”