Status and Compassion: Paying Attention to the Suffering of Others

Compassion can help heal and support those who are suffering in the workplace. Prior research, however, suggests that interpersonal dynamics, such as power, can reduce the likelihood of compassionate responding. While research has examined the role of power in compassionate responding, no research to-date has examined how status (i.e., the extent to which one is held in esteem and respected) affects compassion. We argue that status may have the opposite effect of power, and increase one’s ability and willingness to be compassionate. In a pilot study and preregistered replication, we uncovered a positive association between status and compassion, such that those who report higher social status at work experience greater compassion toward their coworkers. We discuss future steps and implications for our findings.