Vulnerability, compassion meditation and well-being: community-based participatory research

Abstract

Objective: To understand and assess the effects of Cognitive-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) in promoting collective well-being on the outskirts. Method: This is participatory action research with socially vulnerable population in São Paulo, Brazil. Qualitative data from the community-based participant research (CBPR) model, rounds of conversation (n=41), evaluation work plan (n=18), participant observation and quantitative institutional reports were analyzed with WebQDA® and Excel®, respectively. Results: Women (93%), black (78%), mean age of 37 years, living on the outskirts (73%) participated. Directly, the intervention benefited 11,390 people and, indirectly, 43,282. Categories analyzed were: Structural oppressions and individual autonomy; (Self-)care generates collective empowerment; Action-reflection-action process for (trans)formation; Emotional literacy as a human right; and Practices of (self-)care and social justice. Conclusion: CBCT® promoted positive effects on well-being in the collective dimension. The critical-reflective methodology promoted community engagement and emotional literacy, contributing to social equity appreciation.