Do you make a distinction between compassion and empathy?
For instance, compassion is an awareness of suffering and a heartfelt wish to alleviate it; while empathy is to feel as another person feels?
I ask because I think the distinction might be important. Extended periods of feeling what others feel can lead to empathy fatigue (checking out and shutting down), but extended periods of wishing to help alleviate suffering don't seem to lead to compassion fatigue.
ugubriat t1_j0h3mal wrote
Reply to Hi! I’m Dr Lucy Maddox from Bath University (UK). I’m a clinical psychologist researching compassionate care and things that can get in the way. I have a new book out called A Year To Change Your Mind, about how psychology can help with everyday life by UniversityofBath
Do you make a distinction between compassion and empathy?
For instance, compassion is an awareness of suffering and a heartfelt wish to alleviate it; while empathy is to feel as another person feels?
I ask because I think the distinction might be important. Extended periods of feeling what others feel can lead to empathy fatigue (checking out and shutting down), but extended periods of wishing to help alleviate suffering don't seem to lead to compassion fatigue.
What do you think?