Can joy and compassion buffer against hostility following provocation? An experimental study

This online study investigated the potential anger-buffering effects of two prosocial interventions - compassion and shared joy. Furthermore, effects on positive and negative affect were examined, as well as the potentially moderating role of prevention focus, a personality trait characterized by sensitivity to negative outcomes. Using a 3 × 3 mixed design, 229 participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (joy, compassion, or control) and then guided to imagine a scenario-based provocation. Repeated measures were taken at baseline, post-intervention, and post-provocation. Results indicated that neither intervention buffered against the emotional impact of the provocation, as evidenced by the lack of significant post-provocation differences in anger between conditions. Furthermore, the compassion-based exercise increased anger across whole sample, rather than specifically among high trait prevention focus individuals, thereby only partially aligning with the compassion-hostility paradox. Finally, in line with accounts of compassion as a potentially costly emotion, the joy condition significantly increased positive affect while the compassion condition led to significant deteriorations in positive affect and negative affect immediately after the intervention, compared to the other conditions. Implications for hostility-prevention and compassion practice are discussed in the light of the Broaden-and-Build Theory and the Upward Spiral Theory of Lifestyle Change. The absence of protective effects after provocation may relate to intervention dosage, with effects from a brief single-session writing exercise not lasting long enough buffer against the provocation, in addition to an unambiguous provocation leaving little room for interpretation. Future studies could examine extended intervention formats in combination with more subtle provocations.