PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Karl Frost
TI  - Calming Meditation Increases Altruism, Decreases Parochialism
AID  - 10.1101/060616
DP  - 2016 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 060616
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2016/06/24/060616.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2016/06/24/060616.full
AB  - This research project attempts to answer the question of whether a socially learned calming practice increases altruistic behavior and/or decreases parochialism. In this context, altruism is defined as self-sacrifice in support of others, regardless of group affiliation or identity, and parochialism is defined as such prosocial self-sacrifice restricted to fellow members of a group. This question is examined via a formal behavioral experiment using a simple treatment and control format with a 5 minute calming breath awareness practice, with altruism and parochialism measured through anonymous play in Public Goods games performed with both in-group and out-group individuals. The in vs out group status is established through random assignment into groups, and PG games are played with and between these groups. The sum of contributions gives a measure of altruism, while the difference between the two is a measure of parochialism. The analysis of the results using Bayesian model comparison methods lend support to the hypothesis that calm both reduces parochialism and increases altruism.