Chapter 2 Chapter 2 EmpathyEmpathy

Amber GilewskiAmber GilewskiTompkins Cortland Community CollegeTompkins Cortland Community College

What is Empathy? Imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes

Sharing another being’s feelings and emotions

Difference between sympathy vs. empathy?

Empathy & Social Action

Empathy is related to compassion

Compassion gives rise to altruism & social action

We respond to suffering in many ways

Some of the distress we feel can cause us to act

Snap Judgments Rushing to judgment or ideas about someone

else

Snap judgments prevent us from being empathic

Belief in a “just world” can create snap judgments

How can we avoid making snap judgments?

Forgiveness Ending resentment or anger towards someone

we believe offended us

Possibly stopping to demand punishment, apology, or payback

Forgiveness appears helpful to our well-being

It is linked with less depression, anger, and hostility

Can improve our self-esteem, increase empathy, and generates a greater sense of control

AMISH SCHOOL SHOOTING & FORGIVENESS

Fostering Empathy Take the other’s perspective

Listen actively to those in distress (even strangers)

Learn from stories and films

Volunteer to help others

Role play

Extend compassion to those outside of your circle

Do random acts of kindness

Raise helpful children