Mindfulness is a hot topic in psychological research and the popular media. One central claim in the literature is that enhanced mindfulness fosters prosocial behavior. This article recapitulates what is currently known about this widespread claim. We first review theoretical perspectives on why enhanced mindfulness should foster prosocial behavior and discuss relevant empirical evidence. Two meta-analyses provide preliminary support for this claim. However, limitations call for caution when interpreting the evidence and studies investigating effects that persist over sustained periods of time are missing. In addition, theoretical assumptions about the underlying mechanisms need stronger empirical support. We discuss theoretical predicaments, identify potential downsides of mindfulness, and suggest ways forward for future research.

正念是心理学研究和大众媒体的热门话题。文献中的一个核心主张是，增强的正念促进了亲社会行为。本文概述了目前对这一广泛主张的了解。我们首先回顾关于为什么增强正念应该促进亲社会行为的理论观点，并讨论相关的经验证据。两项荟萃分析为这一说法提供了初步支持。然而，在解释证据时需要谨慎，并且缺少调查持续一段时间持续影响的研究。此外，关于潜在机制的理论假设需要更有力的经验支持。我们讨论了理论困境，确定了正念的潜在缺点，并为未来的研究提出了前进的方向。