Attributes of compassion Sample Clauses

Attributes of compassion. Compassion is described as a ‘multi-textured response to pain, sorrow and anguish and includes attributes such as kindness, generosity, and acceptance’ (Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx, 2011, p143). Xxxxxxxx et al (2013, p3) assert that the ability to show compassion is dependent on the individual’s ability to develop a ‘compassionate mentality’. The attributes associated with ‘compassionate mentality’ include being kind, gentle, warm, caring, comforting, reassuring, supportive and encouraging (Xxxxxxxx et al, 2013). These attributes demonstrate the complex nature of compassion. Xxxxx et al (2010) carried out an evolutionary analysis and empirical review of compassion and identified that compassion evolved as an affective experience whose main aim is to protect the weak and those suffering. They demonstrated that compassion has distinct appraisal processes; distinct behaviours related to caregiving such as touch, posture and communication and experiences and physical response that enable the individual to take action (Xxxxx et al, 2010). They concluded that the tendency to feel compassion falls under three evolutionary arguments; (i) that compassion evolved as part of caregiving response to vulnerable offspring; (ii) that compassionate individuals were preferred in mate selection; and (iii) that compassion is a desirable trait when relating to people who are not family members (Xxxxx et al, 2010). Although the analysis is complex and focuses on the general concept of compassion, it identifies the link between compassion and caregiving, which can contribute to the understanding of compassion in nursing. The literature also associates the concept of compassion with terms such as empathy and sympathy (Chochinov, 2007; Xxxxxxx, 2007; Xxxxx et al, 2010). These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, which further compounds confusion about the meaning of compassion (Xxxxxxx, 2007). Empathy is described as the ability to identify with and understand the feelings, desires, ideas and actions of another person by imagining oneself in the place of the person (Xxxxxxxx and Xxxx, 2005). Sympathy is described as an emotional reaction that is based on the awareness of another person’s emotional state or condition and involves feelings of concern or sorrow for the other person (Xxxxx et al, 2010). However, what differentiates compassion from these related terms is the deliberate participation in another person’s suffering by taking action to alleviate or relieve the suffering or pai...