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Effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Doctors’ Mindfulness, Empathy, and Communication Skills

Author

Listed:
  • Hao Chen

    (Graduate Institute of Business and Management, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chao Liu

    (Graduate Institute of Business and Management, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
    College of Aviation, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xinyi Cao

    (Clinical Neurocognitive Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China)

  • Bo Hong

    (Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China)

  • Ding-Hau Huang

    (Institute of Creative Design and Management, National Taipei University of Business, Taoyuan 22058, Taiwan)

  • Chia-Yi Liu

    (Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10507, Taiwan)

  • Wen-Ko Chiou

    (Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 10507, Taiwan
    Department of Industrial Design, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan)

Abstract

Background: In the context of increasing doctor–patient tensions in China, the objective of this study was to explore and examine the effects of loving-kindness meditation (LKM) on doctors’ mindfulness, empathy, and communication skills. Methods: A total of 106 doctors were recruited from a hospital in China, and randomly divided into an LKM training group (n = 53) and waiting control group (n = 53). The LKM training group received 8 weeks of LKM training intervention, whereas the control group received no intervention. Three major variables (mindfulness, empathy, and communication skills) were measured before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the LKM training intervention. Results: The empathy and communication skills of the LKM group were significantly improved compared with those of the control group, but the level of mindfulness did not significantly change. Conclusions: The results suggested that LKM may contribute to improving physicians’ empathy and communication skills. However, the mechanisms that underlie the effects of the LKM on mindfulness, empathy, and communication skills and other psychological constructs needs further elucidation.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Chen & Chao Liu & Xinyi Cao & Bo Hong & Ding-Hau Huang & Chia-Yi Liu & Wen-Ko Chiou, 2021. "Effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Doctors’ Mindfulness, Empathy, and Communication Skills," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4033-:d:534339
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bo, Shiyu & Chen, Joy & Song, Yan & Zhou, Sen, 2020. "Media attention and choice of major: Evidence from anti-doctor violence in China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 1-19.
    2. Antoine Lutz & Julie Brefczynski-Lewis & Tom Johnstone & Richard J Davidson, 2008. "Regulation of the Neural Circuitry of Emotion by Compassion Meditation: Effects of Meditative Expertise," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(3), pages 1-10, March.
    3. Tian Gao & Bruce Gurd, 2018. "Problems and challenges in managing the new generation of doctors in Chinese hospitals," Asia Pacific Business Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(4), pages 528-542, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hao Chen & Chao Liu & Fang Zhou & Xin-Yi Cao & Kan Wu & Yi-Lang Chen & Chia-Yih Liu & Ding-Hau Huang & Wen-Ko Chiou, 2022. "Focused-Attention Meditation Improves Flow, Communication Skills, and Safety Attitudes of Surgeons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Li Li & Xin Cui & Wei Feng, 2024. "Enhancing Patient Satisfaction in Cross-Regional Healthcare: a Cross-Sectional Study in the Knowledge-Based Healthcare Landscape," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(3), pages 14172-14198, September.

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