4 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Empathy, how do I know if I have it? One way answer to that question is to simply ask yourself several basic questions like whether or not you care about the feelings of others. Can you perceive the ideas,emotions and experiences of another person? Can you"walk in another persons shoes"? If you answered yes you may have empathy.

Empathy is the experience of being able to walk in another persons' shoes. Dr. Carl Rogers gave one definition of empathy that is commonly used in psychology. He stated that,"the state of empathy or being empathic,is to perceive the internal frame of reference of another with accuracy and with emotional components and meanings which pertain thereto as if one were the person,but without losing the as if condition."(Rogers,1975) Needless to say this is a long definition but empathy is basically a way of walking in another's shoes as if you were that person, but without losing the as if feeling.

Empathy is an art and a gift. Empathy is usually lacking in hard core criminals and evident in the everyday lives of Christians who internalize basic Christian values.

REFERENCES: Empathic: An Unappreciated Way of Being,Dr. Carl Rogers, 1975,pp2,para 4

Learn more about this author, Danette M. Scott.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to tell if you are empathic?
We want to hear your view. Write now!