Views of Human Nature in Support of Loving-Kindness and Compassion Meditation: An Investigation into a Second-Generation Mindfulness-Based Intervention

Second-generation mindfulness-based interventions (SG-MBIs) emphasize the explicit integration of philosophical topics and incorporate various meditation practices, such as loving-kindness and compassion meditation (LKCM). LKCM involves philosophical discussions concerning views of human nature, which may facilitate the cultivation of prosocial attitudes; however, the effects of such discussions have rarely been examined empirically. This study is the first to explore these discussions within the framework of mindfulness-based positive psychology (MBPP)—an eight-week SG-MBI that emphasizes LKCM—by conducting in-depth interviews with 19 participants. The results indicated that although participants did not anticipate the inclusion of discussions on human nature, they generally accepted them and reported a range of perceived benefits, including improved meditation practice, enhanced self-acceptance, strengthened prosocial attitudes, and a deeper understanding of human nature. These findings provide empirical support for the integration of complex views of human nature into LKCM. Broader implications are also discussed for SG-MBIs, ideal psychology, and general research on views of human nature.