Mindfulness meditation reduces guilt and prosocial reparation.

Abstract

The present research investigates whether and how mindfulness meditation influences the guilt-driven tendency to repair harm caused to others. Through a series of eight experiments (N > 1,400), we demonstrate that state mindfulness cultivated via focused-breathing meditation can dampen the relationship between transgressions and the desire to engage in reparative prosocial behaviors. Experiment 1 showed that induced state mindfulness reduced state guilt. Experiments 2a–2c found that induced state mindfulness reduced the willingness to engage in reparative behaviors in normally guilt-inducing situations. Experiments 3a and 3b found that guilt mediated the negative effect of mindfulness meditation on prosocial reparation. Experiment 4 demonstrated that induced state mindfulness weakened the link between a transgression and reparative behavior, as well as documented the mediating role of guilt over and above other emotions. Finally, in Experiment 5, we found that loving kindness meditation led to significantly more prosocial reparation than focused-breathing meditation, mediated by increased other-focus and feelings of love. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.

Finding meaning in our everyday moments: testing a novel intervention to increase employee well-being

“…In particular, what is the mechanism causing people in this condition to improve in these ways? One conclusion is perhaps our intervention reduced participants' overall guilt, and thus promoted increased sensations of satisfaction with their daily experiences (Hafenbrack et al. , 2021).…”

“…As such, further research should investigate the potential unfavorable effects of mindfulness interventions. Research has suggested that, when state mindfulness is induced, one is less likely to feel guilt and this decrease in sensations of guilt can lead to decreased willingness to repair social interactions that are vital for satisfaction (Hafenbrack et al. , 2021).…”

“…In addition to traditional indicators of well-being, evidence also suggests that mindful people experience more positive interpersonal relationships, physical health (Brown et al. , 2007), decreased feelings of guilt (Hafenbrack et al. , 2021) and may be more open to prosocial behaviors (Poulin et al.…”

“…Other research suggests that when one becomes more mindfully aware of themselves in work situations, such as a negotiation, they find more satisfaction in the outcomes (Reb and Narayanan, 2014). Further, when one induces state mindfulness, sensations of guilt are often reduced (Hafenbrack, et al. , 2021).…”

“…Furthermore, mindfulness promotes behavior regulation (Brown et al, 2007;Keng et al, 2011), working memory and sustained attention (Chambers et al, 2008). In addition to traditional indicators of well-being, evidence also suggests that mindful people experience more positive interpersonal relationships, physical health (Brown et al, 2007), decreased feelings of guilt (Hafenbrack et al, 2021) and may be more open to prosocial behaviors (Poulin et al, 2021). Finally, recent organizational research suggests that mindfulness promotes positive work outcomes, such as job satisfaction (H€ ulsheger et al, 2012).…”