Network analysis of empathy items from the interpersonal reactivity index in 1973 young adults

Empathy is a main component of short-term as well as long-term human interactions. Despite its importance and because of its complexity, a unified definition is yet to be found. For some authors, empathy incarnates the ability to perceive and be sensitive to others ’ emotions and the desire for their well-being (Decety et al., 2016). It is not to be confused with sympathy, which is considered to be a part of empathy and defined as the consciousness of another's emotions and feelings without sharing them, together with a feeling of pity (Wispé, 1986).

Source: Psychiatry Research - April 18, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Giovanni Briganti, Chantal Kempenaers, St éphanie Braun, Eiko I. Fried, Paul Linkowski Source Type: research