Empathy: a literature review and concept analysis

Abstract

Empathy appears to be an important concept in the interpersonal repertoire of the nurse. There are a number of definitions and models of empathy available in the literature. These definitions and models are explored and analysed using Walker & Avant's (1983) approach to concept analysis. A model case of the concept is described and the relevant defining attributes identified. A borderline case and an example of 'not the case' are also examined. This concept analysis may assist practitioners to develop the behavioural skills of empathy and to recognize and coach it in their students and colleagues.

The empathetic response in nurses who treat pain: concept analysis

“…All three proposed antecedents satisfy the basic premise that empathy can only occur in the presence of active cognitive processes and reciprocal relationships, and therefore can be consciously controlled (Wiseman 1996, White 1997, Kunyk & Olson 2001. This is most apparent during an empathetic therapeutic exchange between care provider and patient (Rogers 1957), in which mutual verbal exchange normally precedes the experience of empathy.…”

“…Rogers' (Rodgers & Knafl 2000) maintains that clearly defining all antecedents (preceding occurrences or causes that are always linked with the concept) is essential when clarifying a concept. Three consistent antecedents of empathy in the context of a nursing therapeutic relationship were found in the papers selected for this study: the ability to communicate feeling; the ability to engage in directional listening; and the presence of conscious desire (Forsyth 1980, Kristjansdottir 1992, Bennett 1995, Wiseman 1996, White 1997, Kunyk & Olson 2001. Consideration will be given to each antecedent's level of robustness in the context of the recognition and treatment of pain.…”

“…Empathy, the ability to perceive the pain of others and thus provide comfort on that basis, appears to be an innate social response that has important implications for pain management practices (Goubert et al 2005). Nursing has primarily focused on empathy as a major component of the helping relationship and the essence of caring (Kristjansdottir 1992, White 1997. In this context, it has been described as a reciprocal, interpersonal phenomenon (Bennett 1995).…”

Clarification of conceptualizations of empathy

“…The greater the use of empathy, the less distress of patients. Empathy can be used to effect overt and measurable changes in patient outcomes White (1997) A form of communication Relief from emotional distress Wiseman (1996) See the world as others see it, understand another's feelings, nonjudgemental, communicate the understanding'…”

“…Conceptualizations of empathy have been published after the literature analysed in the Morse et al (1992a) review (Alligood 1992, Kristja  nsdo  ttir 1992, Hudson 1993, Raudonis 1993, Sutherland 1995, Norman 1996, Smyth 1996, Thompson 1996, Wiseman 1996, Papadatou 1997, Price & Archbold 1997, White 1997, Dracup & Bryan-Brown 1999, Reynolds & Scott 2000. In addition, empathy has been the focus of further nursing research (Murphy et al 1992, Reid-Ponte 1992, Warner 1992, Bennett & DeMayo 1993, Sutherland 1993, Kuremyr et al 1994, Reynolds 1994, Olson 1995, Raudonis 1995, Wheeler 1995, Wilt et al 1995, Bailey 1996, Baillie 1996, Palsso Ê n et al 1996, Wheeler et al 1996, Olson & Hanchett 1997, Evans et al 1998, Cutliffe & Cassedy 1999, Omdahl & O'Donnell 1999, Puentes 1999, Hollinger-Samson & Pearson 2000, May & Alligood 2000.…”