AUTHOR=Wolgast Sima Nurali , Lunde-Flennmark Linnea , Nestorson Anna , Wolgast Martin , Hoff Eva 

TITLE=Impact of group training on compassion, empathy, and stigmatizing thoughts: a diversity, equity, and inclusion pilot RCT

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1547645

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1547645

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=IntroductionThe purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of a compassion-based Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) intervention. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate whether the intervention led to increases in compassion and empathy, and decreases in stigmatizing thoughts and prejudice.MethodsParticipants (N = 33) were randomized into two groups. The experimental group received compassion training, while the comparison group received lectures on prejudice and discrimination. Measures of compassion, empathy, stigmatizing thoughts, and modern prejudice were administered pre- and post-intervention.ResultsThe results showed that participants in the experimental group reported increased levels of compassion and empathy, along with a tendency toward decreased stigmatizing thoughts. However, no reduction in modern prejudice was observed.DiscussionThese preliminary findings suggest that compassion training may foster greater compassion and empathy, which in turn could contribute to reducing stigmatizing thoughts. Although no effect was found on modern prejudice, the results support the potential of compassion-based approaches in DEI interventions. Further research with larger samples is needed to replicate these findings and explore their applicability in organizational settings.