Compassionate goals, responsiveness, and well-being

Abstract

Compassionate goals-intentions to be supportive and constructive and not harm relationship partners-predict responsiveness and well-being. However, not much is known about whether the effects of compassionate goals depend on attachment security, trust, or self-esteem. This article reviews recent studies examining this research question. These studies indicate that compassionate goals predict relationship processes (e.g., responsiveness, constructive approaches to relationship problems, self-disclosure) and well-being (e.g., growth-seeking) regardless of attachment security, trust, and self-esteem. Furthermore, compassionate goals also predict increased attachment security, trust, and self-esteem over time. These findings suggest that people with compassionate goals can cultivate responsive relationships and thrive through relationships even when they have insecurities related to low attachment security, low trust, or low self-esteem.

Keywords: Attachment security; Compassionate goals; Interpersonal relationships; Responsiveness; Self-esteem; Trust; Well-being.