Factors that affect the empathy constructs among a sample of clinical social workers in Kuwait

Abstract

Empathy is an important tool that clinical social workers use during their interventions with clients. This study aims to explore the knowledge base on empathy among clinical social workers in Kuwait. It investigates the relationship between empathy and three constructs and some demographic variables. The sample ( N = 527) consisted of clinical social workers practicing in Kuwait. The findings revealed significant relationships (1) between empathy, compassionate contextual assessment, intrinsic help and emotional support, and gender; (2) between empathy, compassionate contextual assessment, and participants’ majors in college; and (3) between empathy, intrinsic help and emotional support, and participants’ income.