Do Meditation, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Impact Utilitarian Moral Judgment?

Abstract Objectives Meditation practices, mindfulness, and self-compassion have been found to affect our physical mental well-being in many ways. However, can they also moral judgment, for example, what we think about right wrong? This study aims explore the potential influence of meditation, mindfulness on utilitarian judgments. Method In Study 1 ( n = 316), measured participants’ frequency their level self-compassion, judgment through two well-known dilemmas (switch bridge) using a two-dimensional model psychology (the Oxford Utilitarianism Scale with negative, i.e., instrumental harm, positive, impartial beneficence dimensions). 2 41), conducted psychological 8-week course same variables as before after course. Results 1, observed that participants who meditated more often exhibited lower levels harm. 2, had Conclusions Practices such meditation may be related specifically acceptance harming others (instrumental harm), but reduce concern welfare people possible (impartial beneficence). Further research is needed understand better if how judgments change when meditate develop self-compassion. Preregistration The studies were not pre-registered.