EMPATHY
What is Empathy?
Empathy is the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from
their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place. Essentially, it is putting yourself
in someone else's position and feeling what they are feeling.
Merriam-Webster defines empathy, in part, as "the action of understanding, being aware
of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and
experience of another.
Signs of Empathy
For many, seeing another person in pain and responding with indifference or even
outright hostility seems utterly incomprehensible. But the fact that some people do
respond in such a way clearly demonstrates that empathy is not necessarily a universal
response to the suffering of others.
If you are wondering whether you are an empathetic person, here are some signs that
show that you have this tendency:
You are good at really listening to what others have to say.
People often tell you about their problems.
You are good at picking up on how other people are feeling.
You often think about how other people feel.
Other people come to you for advice.
You often feel overwhelmed by tragic events.
You try to help others who are suffering.
You are good at telling when people aren't being honest.
You sometimes feel drained or overwhelmed in social situations.
You care deeply about other people.
Types of Empathy
There are several types of empathy that a person may experience. The three types of
empathy are:
Affective empathy involves the ability to understand another person's emotions
and respond appropriately. Such emotional understanding may lead to someone
feeling concerned for another person's well-being, or it may lead to feelings of
personal distress.
Somatic empathy involves having a physical reaction in response to what
someone else is experiencing. People sometimes physically experience what
another person is feeling. When you see someone else feeling embarrassed, for
example, you might start to blush or have an upset stomach.
Cognitive empathy involves being able to understand another person's mental
state and what they might be thinking in response to the situation. This is related
to what psychologists refer to as the theory of mind or thinking about what other
people are thinking.
Uses for Empathy
A. Empathy allows you to build social connections with others.
B. Empathising with others helps you learn to regulate your own emotions.
C. Empathy promotes helping behaviours
4 ways to start practising empathy
a. Pay attention to other people's feelings.
b. Think before you speak or act.
c. Realise that everyone is different.
d. Stand up for others.
Why is empathy important?
Empathy is important because it helps you know how to respond to other people feeling.
When you have an idea of how someone else is feeling, you have a better chance of
knowing what to do or say to them that might be helpful.
