Empathy: A Review of the Concept

• Published in: Emotion Review Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 144 - 153
• Main Authors: Cuff, Benjamin M.P., Brown, Sarah J., Taylor, Laura, Howat, Douglas J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-04-2016
• Subjects: empathy; affective empathy; definition; cognitive empathy; empathy assessment
• ISSN: 1754-0739; 1754-0747
• DOI: 10.1177/1754073914558466

The inconsistent definition of empathy has had a negative impact on both research and practice. The aim of this article is to review and critically appraise a range of definitions of empathy and, through considered analysis, to develop a new conceptualisation. From the examination of 43 discrete definitions, 8 themes relating to the nature of empathy emerged: “distinguishing empathy from other concepts”; “cognitive or affective?”; “congruent or incongruent?”; “subject to other stimuli?”; “self/other distinction or merging?”; “trait or state influences?”; “has a behavioural outcome?”; and “automatic or controlled?” The relevance and validity of each theme is assessed and a new conceptualisation of empathy is offered. The benefits of employing a more consistent and complete definition of empathy are discussed.