I Get Cognitive Empathy A Good Amount Of The Time - Blog Posts

♡ types of empathy + examples . . .

cognitive empathy . . .

ー cognitive empathy is understanding someone's thoughts and/or feelings. this is when you intellectually understand what someone else is feeling, without necessarily feeling it yourself.

ー example: imagine your co-worker is nervous before giving a big presentation. you don't necessarily feel nervous yourself, but you understand why they feel that way, so you offer them encouragement.

ー how it feels: you recognize the emotion/feeling logically. "ah, they are anxious because of the pressure" ー but you are emotionally neutral or calm about it.

emotional (or affective) empathy . . .

ー emotional empathy is feeling with someone. this is when you actually feel the other person's emotions, as if you were experiencing it yourself.

ー example: your friend bursts into tears after a breakup. as you comfort them, you suddenly feel heavy, heartbroken, and your own tears start to well up, even though it's not your breakup.

ー how it feels: your emotional state mirrors theirs. it might feel automatic and intense, almost as if you are "catching" their emotion.

compassionate empathy . . .

ー compassionate empathy is feeling and acting to help. this type of empathy combines understanding & emotional feeling, with the desire to help and take action.

ー example: you see someone on the street shivering without a coat in the winter. you feel bad for them (emotional empathy) and feel motivated to give them your scarf/buy them something warm (action).

ー how it feels: there is a strong pull in your chest, an urge to do something to ease another person's suffering or problems.