The Functions of Empathy (Decentering) in Human Relations

Abstract

Empathy, in its broadest usage, is considered a fundamental dimension of interpersonal and communication competence. Empathy enhances a person's understanding of others, and the ability to make predictions about others. Understanding and prediction make empathy a possible tool for persuasion, compliance gaining, relational development, and counseling. Empathy affects decision making about others and attribution. Empathy acts to reflect what has been perceived and creates a supportive/confirming atmosphere. Each function of empathy generally reflects a different conceptualization of empathy. The term “decentering” is offered as the more appropriate alternative term to represent the overall phenomenon with empathy as a subconstruct.