Empathy vs Sympathy

Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE about empathy?

• Empathy allows you to put yourself in someone else's shoes.

• Empathy helps you feel someone else's pain.

• Empathy allows you to only recognize someone else's feelings, not feel what they're going through.

• All of the Above are True Statements About Empathy

What is sympathy?

• Sympathy is when you recognize and acknowledge someone's feelings, but you're not able to feel what they're going through.

• Sympathy is when you're able to put yourself in someone else's shoes.

• Sympathy is when you're able to feel what someone else is feeling.

• Sympathy is when you try your best to make someone else feel better, whether you understand what they're feeling or not.

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

Melinda is upset about failing the science test. Shawna is sitting right next to her when Melinda finds out that she hadn't done well. Which of the following is NOT a way for Shawna to show empathy in this situation?

• Shawna could ignore Melinda. After all, Shawna isn't really friends with Melinda.

• Shawna could listen and make eye contact as Melinda expresses how upset she is.

• Shawna could tell Melinda that she knows everything will be okay since she got a bad grade on the last test but still has a B in the class.

• Shawna could say, "I understand what you're going through. I know how upset I would be if I had received a bad grade on the test."

Learning about other cultures is a great way to show empathy. How?

• Learning about other cultures helps you decide if you want to be a part of their lifestyle.

• Learning about other cultures helps you appreciate what you have.

• Learning about other cultures helps you understand others' perspectives and opinions as well as respect their differences.

• None of the Above

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? A new student sits down next to you in class. She looks sad. You ask her, "Are you okay?" She responds, "No, not really. I had to move away from all my friends, and I don't know anyone at this school." I frown and put my arm around her. "I'm sorry. I've never moved away from my friends before, so I can only imagine what you must be feeling. I know you'll find lots of friends here!"

• 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

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

Does this picture show empathy or sympathy?

• Empathy

• Sympathy