How do we define compassion Is it an emotional state, a motivation, a dispositional trait, or a cultivated attitude How does it compare to altruism and empathy Chapters in this Handbook present critical scientific evidence about compassion in numerous conceptions. All of these approaches tobrthinking about compassion are valid and contribute importantly to understanding how we respond to others who are suffering. pCovering multiple levels of our lives and self-concept, from the individual, to the group, to the organization and culture, emThe Oxford Handbook of Compassion Scienceem gathers evidence and models of compassion that treat the subject of compassion science with careful scientific scrutiny and concern.brIt explores the motivators of compassion, the effect on physiology, the co-occurrence of wellbeing, and compassion training interventions. Sectioned by thematic approaches, it pulls together basic and clinical research ranging across neurobiological, developmental, evolutionary