"Methodological notes on empathy": Further considerations

Abstract

This article updates and extends Jeannette Gagan's "Methodological notes on empathy," published in the January 1983 issue of ANS. The evolving conceptualization of empathy as a complex, intrapsychic, and interpersonal process suggests that the inconclusiveness and apparent contradictions of research to date might be substantially clarified by considering data from a multidimensional perspective. Attention to the conceptual bases underlying diverse measurement approaches is key to understanding the data produced. Notwithstanding the limitations of their paradigms and models for nursing, the debates and knowledge accumulated in other disciplines can inform a broad range of inquiry relevant to nursing.

Empathy in Patient Care

“…This subtest was dropped in the revised version because of its nonsignificant predictive validity concerning therapeutic outcomes (Barrett-Lennard, 1986). Subsequent versions of the Relationship Inventory have been developed for use in nonclinical situations involving family, friendship, coworker, and teacher-pupil relationships (Bennett, 1995).…”

A Re-Conceptualization of Rogers' Core Conditions: Implications for Research, Practice and Training

“…This argument, however, does not convince all critics (Gelso & Carter 1985;Bergman, 1967). Bennett (1995) argued that many of the difficulties regarding the concept are due to lack of clarity from Rogers and his subsequent lack of detailed discussion of the problems raised. Thus echoing the concerns with respect to empathy.…”

“…a lack of clinical distinction between the therapist's intraphysic process of empathy and his or her response of being empathic" (Book, 1988, p. 422). Similarly, Bennett (1995) describes empathy as a complex intrapsychic and interpersonal process. Barrett-Lennard (1981) pointed out that even in this early definition Rogers (1957) made distinctions between "feeling into" and "feeling-with."…”

A Nursing Theory of Personal System Empathy: Interpreting a Conceptualization of Empathy in King’s Interacting Systems

“…Also, as a result of conceptualizing empathy from a borrowed perspective, theoretical and methodological problems in nursing studies have persisted, and conflicting findings have been reported (Bennett, 1995;Gagan, 1983;Olsen, 1991). In fact, some researchers have even begun to question the conceptual fit of empathy for nursing (Diers, 1990;Gordon, 1983;Morse et al, 1992;Pike, 1990).…”

“…For many years, the application of borrowed theories of empathy to the nurse-patient relationship has been questioned by nurse educators and researchers (Bennett, 1995). In fact, over 15 years ago, Gagan (1983) challenged the nursing community to examine the nature and characteristics of empathy within the confines of the nurse-client relationship.…”