Compassion is generally defined as the emotion one feels when witnessing another's suffering, motivating a desire to alleviate that suffering. It goes beyond simple empathy, which is merely feeling another's emotions, by adding an active desire to help. Compassion is also distinct from sympathy, which involves sorrow and concern for another's suffering, while compassion responds with warmth and care. The concept originates from the Latin word "compati," meaning "to suffer with".
Researchers view compassion as a social emotion that encourages individuals to act in ways that relieve the physical, mental, or emotional pain of others. Acts of compassion often involve patience, wisdom, kindness, and perseverance. Studies suggest that experiencing compassion can slow heart rate, release oxytocin (the "bonding hormone"), and activate regions of the brain linked to empathy and caregiving. Some theories suggest compassion evolved to promote cooperation and protect the vulnerable, eliciting specific behaviors like caregiving and social approach.
