Empathy vs. Sympathy

Does this situation show empathy or sympathy? Brendan is nervous about his first day of middle school. His older brother is in 8th grade, and he assured Brendan that everything will be okay. "I understand how nervous you're feeling. After a few days, you will feel confident and excited about middle school. Trust me!"

• Empathy

• Sympathy

When showing empathy to someone else, which of the following is something you should do?

• Judge the person

• Listen carefully to what the person has to say

• Interrupt the person when he/she is talking

• Start talking about yourself when the person is expressing his/her feelings

Which side shows sympathy?

• Left Side (Blue)

• Right Side (Purple)

Does this situation show empathy or sympathy? Now that I have a daughter, I now understand how hard it is to be a parent. I respect my parents more than ever, and I understand some of the hardships they went through with parenthood.

• Empathy

• Sympathy

Does this situation show empathy or sympathy? Catherine comes into class, and she looks sad. Laura approaches Catherine and asks, "Is something wrong?" Catherine says, "I studied last night for today's math test, but I just don't think I'll do well. The test is going to be hard." Laura responds, "I studied for hours last night, and I know how you're feeling! I don't feel prepared either. We can study together for a few minutes if you'd like."

• Empathy

• Sympathy

Which drives disconnection?

• sympathy

• empathy

• both

Which fuels connection?

• empathy

• sympathy

• both

What is empathy?

• The ability to imagine how another person is feeling

• When people are good to other people

• The state of being bored

A best synonym for the word Empathy is

• sensitive

• understanding

• appreciation

• compassion

"I understand exactly what you are going through and it is so frustrating."

• sympathy

• empathy

• compassion