Positive Psychology — Psychology STD 12 Commerce / Arts — Question

Empathy is the capacity to understand and feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference i.e. capacity to place oneself in another’s position.

According to Simon Baron-Cohen there are three components of empathy viz. cognitive empathy emotional reactivity and social skills. Empathy builds a sense of security and trust. It is closely related to emotional intelligence and is a key to successful relationships.
Empathy can be promoted by using the following methods-

1. Increase social interactions – Especially with people who need help in order to understand their perspectives and motives.
2. Connecting through similarities – With others, e.g., those having same hobbies/ work/ goals, etc.
3. Understanding what you are feeling – Those who are able to accurately judge their own motives, can empathize better.
4. Challenge yourself – Tasks that are challenging lead to the person struggling to achieve a goal. This lead to humility which enables empathy.
5. Cultivate a sense of curiosity – This leads to open-mindedness and a better understanding of those around us.
6. Widen our social circle – Contact with people of different races, cultures, viewpoints helps to increase empathy towards them at a neurological level.