Compassionate Love

GLOSSARY

Love in adulthood as a self-giving, caring love that values the other person highly and is intended to give full life to the other. Components of compassionate love include a cognitive understanding of the self, an awareness of being part of something beyond oneself, and an evaluation of another’s situation and the ability to act accordingly. Synonymous with altruistic love. Contrast with companionate love.

A colorful community support icon featuring a pink heart centered within a circle of diverse people holding hands.
A colorful community support icon featuring a pink heart centered within a circle of diverse people holding hands.

Reference:

Underwood, L. G. (2002). The human experience of compassionate love: Conceptual mapping and data from selected studies. In S. G. Post, L. G. Underwood, J. P. Schloss & W. B. Hurlbut (Eds.), Altruism & altruistic love: Science, philosophy, & religion in dialogue. (pp. 72–88). New York: Oxford University Press.