Empathy, sympathy, and altruism—An evident triad based on compassion. A theoretical model for caring

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundBased on existing confusion and a suggested contradiction regarding empathy and compassion in relation to caring science as well as in clinical health care.AimThe aim of the study was to find a knowledge base for the development of clinical caring science for, empathy, sympathy altruism, and compassion and their mutual relationship.DesignA theoretical paper.ResultsThe text discusses the different concepts separately, considering their history, research, obstacles, and bias and then brings them together in a concept model. The conclusion shows that empathy, sympathy, and altruism have no contradictions. Instead, they together form an evident triad based on compassion. Compassion is a prerequisite and a basis for the others to work. In clinical application, empathy is metaphorically a quality coming from the head, sympathy from the heart and altruism from the hand, merged in an attitude of compassion as a motif to care. The paper also reflects on the possibilities to increase and develop a compassionate mood and capacity by education and training.