The Role of Likeability in Discriminating Between Kindness and Compassion

Abstract Objectives Kindness and compassion are prosocial constructs aimed at benefiting others, with the former focused on happiness latter suffering. Despite these distinctly different motivations, kindness often used interchangeably. If processes, they should respond differently to same facilitators inhibitors, a key moderator being likeability. Methods We cross-sectional survey design examine whether target that differed in terms of likeability (liked versus disliked) influenced willingness engage kind acts compared compassionate acts, emotional patterns experienced. recruited 150 participants (83 men, 66 women, 1 other; M age = 27.85, SD 10.21) using an online platform. Results Participants reported less regardless However, this reduction was markedly greater for disliked targets. Compassionate towards liked targets were associated significantly higher levels negative emotions (e.g., irritation, sadness, anger, anxiety, disgust) when acts. Conversely, elicited feelings irritation anger Conclusions These findings indicate result from separable motivational systems, differing both act. Reluctance helping others is reduced action reducing