good essay titles for empathy

Essays About Empathy: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

If you’re writing essays about empathy , check out our essay examples and prompts to get started.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share other people’s emotions. It is the very notion which To Kill a Mockingbird character Atticus Finch was driving at when he advised his daughter Scout to “climb inside [other people’s] skin and walk around in it.”

Being able to feel the joy and sorrow of others and see the world from their perspective are extraordinary human capabilities that shape our social landscape. But beyond its effect on personal and professional relationships, empathy motivates kind actions that can trickle positive change across society .

If you are writing an article about empathy, here are five insightful essay examples to inspire you:

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1. Do Art and Literature Cultivate Empathy? by Nick Haslam

2. empathy: overrated by spencer kornhaber, 3. in our pandemic era, why we must teach our children compassion by rebecca roland, 4. why empathy is a must-have business strategy by belinda parmar, 5. the evolution of empathy by frans de waal, 1. teaching empathy in the classroom., 2. how can companies nurture empathy in the workplace, 3. how can we develop empathy, 4. how do you know if someone is empathetic, 5. does empathy spark helpful behavior , 6. empathy vs. sympathy., 7. empathy as a winning strategy in sports. , 8. is there a decline in human empathy, 9. is digital media affecting human empathy, 10. your personal story of empathy..

“Exposure to literature and the sorts of movies that do not involve car chases might nurture our capacity to get inside the skins of other people. Alternatively, people who already have well-developed empathic abilities might simply find the arts more engaging…”

Haslam, a psychology professor, laid down several studies to present his thoughts and analysis on the connection between empathy and art. While one study has shown that literary fiction can help develop empathy, there’s still lacking evidence to show that more exposure to art and literature can help one be more empathetic. You can also check out these essays about character .

“Empathy doesn’t even necessarily make day-to-day life more pleasant, they contend, citing research that shows a person’s empathy level has little or no correlation with kindness or giving to charity.”

This article takes off from a talk of psychology experts on a crusade against empathy. The experts argue that empathy could be “innumerate, parochial, bigoted” as it zooms one to focus on an individual’s emotions and fail to see the larger picture. This problem with empathy can motivate aggression and wars and, as such, must be replaced with a much more innate trait among humans: compassion.

“Showing empathy can be especially hard for kids… Especially in times of stress and upset, they may retreat to focusing more on themselves — as do we adults.”

Roland encourages fellow parents to teach their kids empathy, especially amid the pandemic, where kindness is needed the most. She advises parents to seize everyday opportunities by ensuring “quality conversations” and reinforcing their kids to view situations through other people’s lenses.

“Mental health, stress and burnout are now perceived as responsibilities of the organization. The failure to deploy empathy means less innovation, lower engagement and reduced loyalty, as well as diluting your diversity agenda.”

The spike in anxiety disorders and mental health illnesses brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has given organizations a more considerable responsibility: to listen to employees’ needs sincerely. Parmar underscores how crucial it is for a leader to take empathy as a fundamental business strategy and provides tips on how businesses can adjust to the new norm.

“The evolution of empathy runs from shared emotions and intentions between individuals to a greater self/other distinction—that is, an “unblurring” of the lines between individuals.”

The author traces the evolutionary roots of empathy back to our primate heritage — ultimately stemming from the parental instinct common to mammals. Ultimately, the author encourages readers to conquer “tribal differences” and continue turning to their emotions and empathy when making moral decisions.

10 Interesting Writing prompts on Essays About Empathy

Check out below our list of exciting prompts to help you buckle down to your writing:

This essay discuss teaching empathy in the classroom. Is this an essential skill that we should learn in school? Research how schools cultivate children’s innate empathy and compassion. Then, based on these schools’ experiences, provide tips on how other schools can follow suit.

An empathetic leader is said to help boost positive communication with employees, retain indispensable talent and create positive long-term outcomes. This is an interesting topic to research, and there are plenty of studies on this topic online with data that you can use in your essay. So, pick these best practices to promote workplace empathy and discuss their effectiveness.

Essays About Empathy: How can we develop empathy?

Write down a list of deeds and activities people can take as their first steps to developing empathy. These activities can range from volunteering in their communities to reaching out to a friend in need simply. Then, explain how each of these acts can foster empathy and kindness.

Based on studies, list the most common traits, preferences, and behaviour of an empathetic person. For example, one study has shown that empathetic people prefer non-violent movies. Expound on this list with the support of existing studies. You can support or challenge these findings in this essay for a compelling argumentative essay. Make sure to conduct your research and cite all the sources used.

Empathy is a buzzword closely associated with being kind and helpful. However, many experts in recent years have been opining that it takes more than empathy to propel an act of kindness and that misplaced empathy can even lead to apathy. Gather what psychologists and emotional experts have been saying on this debate and input your analysis.

Empathy and sympathy have been used synonymously, even as these words differ in meaning. Enlighten your readers on the differences and provide situations that clearly show the contrast between empathy and sympathy. You may also add your take on which trait is better to cultivate.

Empathy has been deemed vital in building cooperation. A member who empathizes with the team can be better in tune with the team’s goals, cooperate effectively and help drive success. You may research how athletic teams foster a culture of empathy beyond the sports fields. Write about how coaches are integrating empathy into their coaching strategy.

Several studies have warned that empathy has been on a downward trend over the years. Dive deep into studies that investigate this decline. Summarize each and find common points. Then, cite the significant causes and recommendations in this study. You can also provide insights on whether this should cause alarm and how societies should address the problem.

There is a broad sentiment that social media has been driving people to live in a bubble and be less empathetic — more narcissistic. However, some point out that intensifying competition and increasing economic pressures are more to blame for reducing our empathetic feelings. Research and write about what experts have to say and provide a personal touch by adding your experience.

Acts of kindness abound every day. But sometimes, we fail to capture or take them for granted. Write about your unforgettable encounters with empathetic people. Then, create a storytelling essay to convey your personal view on empathy. This activity can help you appreciate better the little good things in life.

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Empathy - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference. Essays on empathy could explore its psychological and neurological basis, its importance in interpersonal relationships, its role in conflict resolution, and its cultivation in various professional settings like healthcare and education. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Empathy you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

One Aspect of Therapy Sessions is Empathy

"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another," - Alfred Adler. In the early 1900s, therapy treatment methods were mostly 'counselor-centered.' This practical approach focused on the teachings, suggestions, mentoring, and influencing skills of the counselor. It remained prevalent until Carl Rogers introduced client-centered therapy in the 1930s. Initially, he referred to his method as non-directive therapy. Today, it is known as the Rogerian Theory or person-centered […]

Empathy is One of the Main Skills of a Leader

In Simon Sinek’s book, Leaders Eat Last, published by Portfolio Penguin in 2014, the subject is introduced that the buck stops at the leader’s desk. The book presents multiple concepts on the types of leaders and leadership styles that make or break the organization, as well as the people within the organization. Is it a "me" or "we" organization? From the human biology of brain chemicals to leadership theories, this is a book of great mental reflection. It has reiterated […]

Ted Bundy Research Paper

This paper discusses Theodore Robert Cowell, and his display of a lack of social skills and attachment disorder. Along with traumatic experiences and the constant disappearance of his father sparked anti-social personality disorder; which is an inability to show empathy for others. This is a common occurrence with psychopaths and successful serial killers. Using impeccable charm and intelligence ted Bundy would lure victims in rape, murder, and dismember them and keep the body parts for continued sexual pleasure. His charm […]

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Dnr Statuses, how Family Members of COVID-19 Patients Can Cope, and Empathy

COVID-19 is a virus that is believed to have started in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads via droplets in the air and on surfaces when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In this article, I will discuss the different types of DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) status, coping mechanisms for family members of COVID-19 patients, and the role of empathy for healthcare workers. Individuals around the world are taking an active role in their […]

Empathy is Dangerous for People with Mental Health Problems

I believe that mentally unstable individuals should NOT be allowed to have a firearm. This is most likely because, the way I see it, mentally ill people are not able to control some of their actions and are more likely to show very defensive reactions, with or without any sort of empathy. Some people with mental health problems lack empathy. With little to no empathy, there is a higher likelihood that harming others can occur. A lack of empathy is […]

Moonlight Movie Review & Film Summary

In a world where evil seems to lurk around every corner, social media is used to hide authenticity, and political anxiety rages, Moonlight reminds viewers that humanity can prevail through it all. A coming of age story of a black, gay, and poor boy named Chiron living in 1980s Miami, the film is a visual, dream-like poem exposing the depth of the people living in the most dangerous hood of Miami: Liberty City. The story is told in three chapters […]

Facebook Use and Empathy

Abstract Social media usage has reached a height in widespread popularity. This has potentially changed the way the socializing happens, and relationships are formed. Although research is scarce, there has been increasing popularity in researching the effects of social media, including the effects that forms of social media have on the development of being empathetic towards others. Facebook is one of these platforms. Facebook allows for sharing of information, ads and interaction with other people known by the user. There […]

Empathy in Darkness: the Journey of Adjusting to being Blinded Painfully

The abrupt loss of sight, often described as being "blinded painfully," is a profound and life-altering experience. This essay seeks to explore the multifaceted impact of sudden vision loss, delving into its causes, the psychological and emotional aftermath, and the adjustments required for navigating a world designed for the sighted. This exploration aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals who undergo this drastic change in their lives. Sudden vision loss can result from various causes, […]

Oppression and Power

Describe the role that individualism plays in oppression and privilege. What are the limitations of the individualistic perspective for understanding and eradicating oppression? Give specific examples from Johnson and any other sources you may use. The problems of oppression and privilege are interconnected and deep-rooted in our society. They play a role in who we are, how we behave, and the consequences that follow. So, what is privilege? Unlike meritocracy, privilege is not earned; it is merely given to the […]

Empathy in to Kill a Mockingbird: Navigating Moral Growth and Understanding

There are a few stories that leave strong footprints in our minds, even for years to come. Such is the case with Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The novel remains one of the most prominent examples of empathy and thought-provoking themes. Empathy, the ability to feel and comprehend the emotions of others, is a central motif in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Scout's interactions with Boo Radley and the trial of Tom Robinson serve as pivotal moments that ignite her […]

Heroism Definition

Anyone can be a hero. A hero is someone who saves lives, speaks up, and supports others no matter what. Acts of heroism can range from a dog helping a drowning child, to a person saving an entire town. A hero doesn’t have to be someone that is famous or strong, making it difficult to identify what a true hero is. Many people are heroes, yet only a few get credit for it. Several acts of heroism can be found […]

Are Violent Video Games Good or Bad for You?

Critical Preface I had an ever so slightly difficult time constructing the stakeholder essay, not because I didn’t know what or how to talk about my topic, but because I had to try to be as unbiased as possible. I actually researched this topic during my freshman year of high school. When I reread the essay that I wrote, I felt that I could have done this topic more justice, so I decided to tackle it again for my stakeholder […]

What Makes a Good Movie

For the last century or so, cinema has been one of the most widely used forms of entertainment in society, with a myriad of films on stage every year with the same energy as popcorn kernels in a hot skillet. The ever-growing array of cinematic possibilities makes the process of choosing evening entertainment even more confusing, as many viewers use recommendations when choosing. Such recommendations may come from user-generated websites, critically published reviews, or platforms that combine the two. But […]

A Case of Jake’s Anxiety

Starting from a cognitive psychologist, rather than looking deeply for the answer in Jake's environment, they would be focused more on his mind and how he views himself, and even how he speaks about himself on a day to day basis. With anxiety being the problem they are focused on, a cognitive therapist would look to how Jake speaks about himself, and the expectations he has for himself as well as if he believes he can meet those expectations. Changing […]

Honest Friend: Building Trust with People you Call Friends

All throughout elementary, middle, and high school we have all gained and lost friends but only one remained by your side. That someone is your best friend. Someone that’ll be there for you, believe in you and make you smile no matter what. Even though there are challenges and fights along the way, you guys get through them because the bond that was created is unbreakable. I shine at being a best friend because I experience and express empathy for […]

The Universe of do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep

In, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, by Philip Dick a post human world is shown in which after a catastrophic war most humans have emigrated to Mars and those who remain on Earth live in a radioactive environment. Dust is described as covering everything, damaging the health of the humans and causing extinction for many animal species. This post human world is based on the matter of empathy. Humans are all pressured into owning animals, even if those animals […]

The Compassion for Kids

Have you ever seen someone who was doing so well and was so proud of something that they have achieved and then you get that sad feeling inside. That feeling is called compassion. In the story Marigolds, they live in a very poor, run down town. The kids are always bored so sometimes they go mess with old Ms. Lottie. In this old dirty town Ms. Lottie plants marigolds which brings her happiness. One day they decide to go destroy […]

Controlling myself and my Emotions

The scholar Howard Gardener states that there are multiple intelligences. “He described an individual’s cognitive abilities in terms of seven relatively independent but interacting intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinaesthetic, intrapersonal and interpersonal.” (IJCRSEE, 2016) The academic John Dewey, focuses more on intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligences. Interpersonal refers to the understanding and the act of relating to other people, while Intrapersonal refers to introspection and self-reflection. Dewey believed that the human being has to interact with what surrounds him in […]

Emotional Development in Children

Emotional development is a complex process beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood. Joy, anger, sadness, fear and surprise are the first emotions that can be recognized in babies. Later, as children develop a sense of self, more complex emotions emerge, such as jealousy, empathy, embarrassment, pride, shame, and guilt. This sense of self and the emotional capacity it produces generally occurs at some point after 18 months of age (Santrock, 2016). There are many things that influence the way […]

Relationships Becoming Robotic

Friendships used to consist of witty conversations in a coffee shop. Family get-togethers used to be full of spending time catching up on each other’s lives. Going out to lunch with your parent used to consist of conversation where the words came from the heart. Then the internet and mobile devices were born. In the discussion of the effects of the internet and mobile devices on humanity, one controversial issue has been whether or not the internet and mobile devices […]

Beyond the Individual’s Effects

Over the past couple years, researchers have declared the public awareness for the negative effects of child abuse by their parents which this factor plays an important role in the development of the child's future. Abuse and neglect damage the psychological and mental health aspects of children who might suffer from these types of trauma during their childhood. There are numerous signs commonly associated with child abuse and neglect that mainly comes from the parents and the people who they […]

King Lear is Speaking to Kent about the Storm

"King Lear is speaking to Kent about the storm that does not disturb him because even though the storm is horrible, In association on the pain forced against him by his daughter. The storm description elaborates Lear’s misery by portraying how the internal agony surpasses the temporary distress in Lear’s subconscious as he recognizes how his pride led to his complete denial and desperate situation. Lear then presents an analogy, by illustrating a situation if a bear were to strike […]

The Trending Battle Royale Video Game Fortnite

In today's society there is a lot of violence that is broadcast through many forms of media. There are violent video games, movies and even real life violence on the news and internet videos. Due to this over exposure of violence people are being desensitized to it. We tend to normalize things when we are exposed to it on a daily basis. The same thing happens with violence, being over exposed to it can cause people to become numb to […]

The Immorality of Book Banning

Through the years the process of stopping people from reading certain ideologies in books has changed from burning every found copy to banning them from public and school libraries, or at least trying to (Palmer). A book can be ‘challenged’ which means a complaint about it has been made and it is asked to be taken off the shelves, if the challenge succeeds that means the book has been banned (Bird). Frequently banned books tend to be the ones that […]

Defining Altruism Issue

In current society, it can be justified that the level of autonomy directly influences the amount of altruism an autistic adolescent implements. Defining Altruism: When it comes to the comprehension of socialization within the development of behaviors in adolescents, altruism is vital. Although there is no true altruism, more or less altruism can be determined based upon the involuntary actions and behaviors of an individual. In the absence of motivation, altruism cannot transpire. An altruist must have the inherent belief […]

Aids and Accusation Unimagined Community

AIDS and Accusation: Haiti and the Geography of Blame by Paul Farmer, and Unimagined Community: Sex, Networks, and AIDS in Uganda and South Africa bring the Western reader into a confrontation of largely ingrained belief systems regarding self, wellness, disease, one's place in economy and privilege, and the vast differences in outcome that social isolation, economic position, and culture can effect on disease management. Farmer's book was initially published in 1992 and published again in 2006. Thornton's book was published […]

Long-term Goals in Nursing: Embodying Watson’s Theory in Future Practice

Much has changed in my life since I began nursing school that has given me a new perspective on what it means to be a nurse and what to look forward to in the future as I complete my course of study. Naturally, nothing is ever easy or works out according to plan, and my nursing school experience has been filled with the unexpected, which has made the journey exciting and interesting. Inspiration from Theorists and Personal Experiences When reflecting […]

Consider the Lobster Analysis

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Emotion / Empathy

Empathy Essay Examples

Building empathy with communicating with others.

Why is empathy such an important role in communication? Why is it so hard to show empathy for someone facing a situation you never experienced? Does complex thinking effect empathy in way or are they different when communicating? What is the difference between sympathy and...

The Essence of Good Character

Good character is a fundamental aspect of human nature that shapes our interactions, decisions, and overall demeanor. It goes beyond external appearances and delves into the qualities that define our moral and ethical integrity. While the concept of good character may vary across cultures and...

The Power of Small Acts: Exploring the Importance of Kindness

There are different emotions and feeling that people like to see in other people. It is huge list but today we are focusing one of the main one which is kindness. We can pretty much say Kindness is one of the most important human qualities....

Empathy in a Moral System

Frequently morality and empathy are used interchangeably in both formal and informal conversation. This suggests that the two are so closely related that it is a common mistake to confuse the two. Additionally, it is accepted that empathy plays a foundational role in morality. The...

Understanding the Concept of Empathy

Hoffman (1984) defined empathy as the “cognitive awareness of another person’s internal states (thoughts, feelings, perceptions, intentions) and the vicarious affective response to another person” (p. 103). This definition explains empathy as a multidimensional construct referring to it as a cognitive phenomenon, while also recognising...

Good Country People with Emphathy

An individual who is to be considered as a good country person is one who is empathic – one who thinks of other people’s feelings and is able to put themselves in the shoes of their counterparts in certain situations. Also, to be a good...

The Role of Empathy in Medical Profession

“Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with his or her heart, seeing with his or her eyes. Not only empathy is hard to outsource and automate, but it makes the world a better place”, an exceptional quote by Daniel H. Pink. With...

Empathy Expressed Through Jamaica Kincaid’s Poem

Throughout the story “A Clean Well-Lighted Place,” Ernest Hemingway shows how the concept of “loneliness” is displayed throughout the entire story. This suggests that the people who seem rich and happy will eventually have some of the darkest times in their life. The story “Girl”...

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

What is empathy? “Empathy means to recognize others’ feelings, the causes of these feelings, and to be able to participate in the emotional experience of an individual without becoming part of it” (Ioannidou & Konstantikaki, 2008). Many people confuse sympathy with empathy, but they are...

The Relationship Between Prosocial Behavior and Animal Attitudes in a South African and Non-south African Population

The relationship established between prosocial behaviour and animal attitudes is one considered quite complex and contradictory. The goal of the study was to determine the relationship between prosocial behaviour and animal attitudes in a South African and non-South African population. A sample of 71 students...

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About Empathy

Empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner

Renowned psychologists Daniel Goleman and Paul Ekman have identified three components of empathy: Cognitive, Emotional and Compassionate.

Affective and cognitive empathy influence, and are influenced by, biological systems and processes that contribute to everyday feelings, thoughts, beliefs, decisions, and behavior. Empathetic feelings might enable individuals to develop more satisfactory interpersonal relations, especially in the long-term. Empathy-induced altruism can improve attitudes toward stigmatized groups, and to improve racial attitudes, and actions toward people with AIDS, the homeless, and convicts.

Painkillers reduce one’s capacity for empathy. Observation of another human being experiencing emotions lights up the same neurons in our brain as if we're experiencing the same feeling. Empathy exists because we know we’ve got only one life to live. Painkillers Reduce Your Capacity For Empathy Meditation May Heighten Empathy.

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