Georgianna Dolan-Reilly, LMSW

Georgianna Dolan-Reilly, LMSW

Social Justice Solutions | Staff Writer
Facebook Facebook Google web

Empathy: Can You get it Through Training? Study Suggests Yes

Empathy, it’s considered a key component in social work practice. But, does that mean that everyone has it and it is easy to learn through practice? I would say no. This recent study suggest that Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT), a practice which links traditional Tibetan Buddhist ‘mindfulness’ with compassion training, allows us to enhance our ability to read the emotional expressions of others and thus improve our empathy and relationships. The training teaches individuals how to analyze and reinterpret their relationships in a positive manner. Here are some comments from the article:

“It’s an intriguing result, suggesting that a behavioral intervention could enhance a key aspect of empathy,” says lead author Jennifer Mascaro, a post-doctoral fellow in anthropology at Emory University. “Previous research has shown that both children and adults who are better at reading the emotional expressions of others have better relationships.”

“The idea is that the feelings we have about people can be trained in optimal ways,” Negi explains. “CBCT aims to condition one’s mind to recognize how we are all inter-dependent, and that everybody desires to be happy and free from suffering at a deep level.”

Although a small experimental study, the results were determined both by behavioural testing and MRI and showed that those that participated in CBCT had become more empathetic.

Do you think this is something that should be considered for use in social work education or practice?

Our authors want to hear from you! Click to leave a comment

Related Posts

Subscribe to the SJS Weekly Newsletter

2 Comments

  1. Michelle Sicignano LMSW October 6, 2012
  2. Georgianna Reilly LMSW October 7, 2012

Leave a Reply