Table 3 Results of principal component analysis (oblimin rotation), extracting 5 factors from the different compassion questionnaires

CLH15

If a person (a stranger) is troubled, I usually feel extreme tenderness and caring

CLH12

I often have tender feelings toward people (strangers) when they seem to be in need

CLH9

I tend to feel compassion for people even though I do not know them

CLH6

I feel considerable compassionate love for people from everywhere

CLH13

I feel a selfless caring for most of mankind

CLH11

I would rather engage in actions that help others, even though they are strangers, than engage in actions that would help me

CLH10

One of the activities that provides me with the most meaning to my life is helping others in the world who need help

CLH17

I try to put myself in a stranger’s shoes when he or she is in trouble

CLH20

I want to spend time with people I don’t know well so that I can help enrich their lives

CLH5

If I encounter a stranger who needs help, I would do almost anything I could to help him or her

CLH14

I accept others whom I do not know even when they do things I think are wrong

CLH3

When I hear about someone (a stranger) going through a difficult time, I feel a great deal of compassion for him or her

CLH18

I feel happy when I see that others (strangers) are happy

CLH4

It is easy for me to feel the pain (and joy) experienced by others, even though I do not know them

CLH2

When I see people I do not know feeling sad, I feel a need to reach out to them

CLH8

If given the opportunity, I am willing to sacrifice in order to let the people from other places who are less fortunate achieve their goals

CLH7

I would rather suffer myself than see someone else (a stranger) suffer

CLH1

When I see people I do not know feeling sad, I feel a need to reach out to them

CLH16

I try to understand rather than judge people who are strangers to me

CLH19

Those whom I encounter through work and public life can assume that I will be there for them if they need me

CS-P3

I am unconcerned with other people’s problems

CS-P7

I think little about the concerns of others

RCS3

I find it hard to understand other peoples' problems

CS-P15

I can’t really connect with other people when they’re suffering

CS-P11

I try to avoid people who are experiencing a lot of pain

RCS4

I don't know what to do when other people are distressed

CS-P1

I pay careful attention when other people talk to me about their troubles

CS-P9

I listen patiently when people tell me their problems

CS-P14

When others feel sadness, I try to comfort them

SOCS-O9

I stay with and listen to other people when they’re upset even if it’s hard to bear

CS-P2

If I see someone going through a difficult time, I try to be caring toward that person

RCS1

I like to listen to other peoples' experiences

SOCS-O8

When I hear about bad things happening to other people, I feel concern for their wellbeing

SOCS-O4

When someone else is upset, I try to stay open to their feelings rather than avoid them

CS-P6

I like to be there for others in times of difficulty

SOCS-O2

I understand that everyone experiences suffering at some point in their lives

SOCS-O7

I understand that feeling upset at times is part of human nature

SOCS-O12

Like me, I know that other people also experience struggles in life

CS-P4

I realize everyone feels down sometimes, it is part of being human

SOCS-O17

I know that we can all feel upset at times when we are wronged

CS-P16

Despite my differences with others, I know that everyone feels pain just like me

CS-P8

I feel it’s important to recognize that all people have weaknesses and no one’s perfect

CS-P12

I feel that suffering is just a part of the common human experience

CS-P13

When people tell me about their problems, I try to keep a balanced perspective on the situation

SOCS-O3

When someone is going through a difficult time, I feel kindly towards them

SOCS-O11

I’m quick to notice early signs of distress in others

SOCS-O6

I notice when others are feeling distressed

SOCS-O1

I recognize when other people are feeling distressed without them having to tell me

SOCS-O16

I recognize signs of suffering in others

CS-P5

I notice when people are upset, even if they don’t say anything

CS-M3

How much of your future savings would you give away now to help a stranger in need of financial help?

CS-M5

How much of your personal space would you share with a friend?

CS-M6

How much of your personal space would you share with a stranger that poses no threat to you?

CS-M4

How much of your free time would you spend to do work for a stranger that needs your skills but cannot afford to pay you?

CS-M8

How many times would you do the right thing if it puts your family at risk?

CS-M1

How much of your future savings would you give away now to help a friend in need of financial help?

CS-M10

How many times would you allow others the pleasure of something that causes you pain?

CS-M7

How many times would you do the right thing if it puts your friends at risk?

CS-M2

How much of your future savings would you give away now to help a stranger in need of financial help?