01 August 2024

Three Types of Empathy

Three Types of Empathy: Awareness, Research and Resources

Three Types of Empathy

It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” ― John Joseph Powell

Types of Empathy Research

Three Types of Empathy 

"Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It can be categorized into three main types:

1. Cognitive Empathy
  • Definition: Cognitive empathy is the ability to understand another person's perspective or mental state. It’s about knowing what the other person feels or what they might be thinking.
  • Purpose: This type of empathy is useful in communication and negotiations because it allows you to understand where someone is coming from and what they might need or want.
  • Example: A therapist understanding a client’s thought process without necessarily sharing the same emotions.
2. Emotional Empathy (Affective Empathy)
  • Definition: Emotional empathy involves actually feeling the emotions that another person is experiencing. This form of empathy allows you to physically and emotionally connect with another’s feelings.
  • Purpose: It fosters deep emotional connections and can drive compassionate behavior.
  • Example: Feeling sadness when a friend is crying, or getting excited when a colleague shares good news.
3. Compassionate Empathy (Empathic Concern)
  • Definition: Compassionate empathy goes beyond understanding and feeling to taking action. It involves recognizing another's emotional state, sharing in those emotions, and then taking steps to help.
  • Purpose: This type of empathy motivates helping behavior and positive social action.
  • Example: Not only feeling concern for a homeless person but also offering food, money, or support.

Each type of empathy serves a different function in human relationships, and developing a balance among them can lead to more effective and compassionate interactions." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Are You Empathic? 3 Types of Empathy and What They Mean Psychology Today

Effect of Different Types of Empathy on Prosocial Behavior: Gratitude as Mediator NIH

Exploring the Three Types of Empathy: An Easy Guide Shola Kaye

Friendship Psychology: There are 3 Different Types of Empathy – here’s how to identify them Stylist

Situational Determinants of Cognitive, Affective, and Compassionate Empathy in Naturalistic Digital Interactions ScienceDirect

There Are Actually 3 Types of Empathy. Here's How They Differ--and How You Can Develop Them All Inc.

The 3 Different Types Of Empathy - And How To Express Each One Your Tango

The 3 Parts of Empathy: Thoughts, Feelings and Actions Six Seconds

The Psychology of Emotional and Cognitive Empathy Lesley University

The Empathy Set: Revolutionizing Emotional Wellness The Empathy Set

The Three Different Types of Empathy The Mind, Body and Brain Digest

The Three Kinds of Empathy: Emotional, Cognitive, Compassionate Heartmanity

Three Dimensions of Empathy LinkedIn

Understanding Three Types of Empathy for Emotional Intelligence LinkedIn

Understanding the Three Types of Empathy to Increase Emotional Intelligence Culture Conscious

What are the Three Types of Empathy? Medium

What is Empathy? Mental Health and Motivation

Different Kinds of Empathy - Video

🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources