| Abstract: | Examined the structure and phenomenology of 52 undergraduates' perceptions of empathy. Ss, 27 of which were in therapy, completed self-reports on situations in which a therapist (if they had received counseling) or someone else had demonstrated empathy toward them. Analysis of Ss' self-reports revealed 4 types of client-perceived empathy: therapist (facilitative), therapist affective, therapist sharing, and therapist nurturant empathy. Findings suggest that empathy is not a global, unidimensional concept. Results are discussed in terms of previous studies, which have concentrated mainly on the therapist's and not the client's experience of therapy. The therapeutic efficacy and measurement of received empathy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
