Are you an empath?
This week’s article focuses on a recent study update that measured levels of empathy among young adults. Empathy, if you’re not aware, refers to “…the compassionate capacity to detect and feel others’ emotions coupled with an ability to understand another person’s perspective” (Lumer 2024). Lumer’s CNN article (click HERE) reports on a decade’s long study of empathy levels of young people. Between 1970 and 2009, levels of empathy had been decreasing, which along with the increased polarization of our country has some undesirable implications, to say the least. But social psychologist Sara Konrath’s recent update to a longitudinal study of empathy levels of young adults has yielded some promising results. Apparently, young people (early 20’s and high school seniors) have shown increased levels of empathy-taking in their relationships. Maybe you’re unfamiliar with the term empathy so keep reading. Also, this piece includes some nice recommendations on how to grow your “empathy muscle.”
Not sure whether you’re an empath? Take a quiz (click HERE) and find out.
Thoughts?
Lumar, Riane. (2024) “Empathy is on the rise in young people. Here’s how to build yours.” from Empathy is on the rise in young people. Here’s how to build yours | CNN.