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Debets MPM, Jansen I, Diepeveen M, Bogerd R, Molewijk BAC, Widdershoven GAM, Lombarts KMJMH. Compassionate care through the eyes of patients and physicians: An interview study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305007. [PMID: 38985731 PMCID: PMC11236150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although compassion is a crucial element of physicians' professional performance and high-quality care, research shows it often remains an unmet need of patients. Understanding patients' and physicians' perspectives on compassionate care may provide insights that can be used to foster physicians' ability to respond to patients' compassion needs. Therefore, this study aims to understand how both patients and physicians experience the concept and practice of compassionate care. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight patients and ten resident physicians at a University Medical Center in the Netherlands. Using thematic analysis, we separately coded patient and resident transcripts to identify themes capturing their experiences of compassionate care. This study was part of a larger project to develop an educational intervention to improve compassion in residents. RESULTS For both patients and residents, we identified four themes encompassing compassionate care: being there, empathizing, actions to relieve patients' suffering, and connection. For residents, a fifth theme was professional fulfillment (resulting from compassionate care). Although patients and residents both emphasized the importance of compassionate care, patients did not always perceive the physician-patient encounter as compassionate. According to residents, high workloads and time pressures hindered their ability to provide compassionate care. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Patients and residents have similar and varying understandings of compassionate care at the same time. Understanding these differences can aid compassion in medical practice. Based on the findings, three topics are suggested to improve compassion in residents: (1) train residents how to ask for patients' compassion needs, (2) address residents' limiting beliefs about the concept and practice of compassion, and (3) acknowledge the art and science of medicine cannot be separated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten P. M. Debets
- Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Iris Jansen
- Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle Diepeveen
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rosa Bogerd
- Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bert A. C. Molewijk
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guy A. M. Widdershoven
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kiki M. J. M. H. Lombarts
- Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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Caspar EA, Pech GP. Obedience to authority reduces cognitive conflict before an action. Soc Neurosci 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38975965 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2024.2376049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
How obeying orders impacts moral decision-making remains an open question, despite its significant societal implications. The goal of this study was to determine if cognitive conflict, indexed by mid-frontal theta activity observed before an action, is influenced by the context of obedience. Participants came in pairs and were assigned roles as either agent or victim. Those in the agent role could either decide freely or follow the experimenter's instructions to administer (or refrain from administering) a mildly painful electric shock to the victim in exchange for a small monetary reward. Mid-frontal theta activity was recorded before the agent made their keypress. Results indicated that mid-frontal theta activity was reduced when participants obeyed the experimenter's orders compared to when they acted of their own volition, even though the outcomes of the actions were similar. This finding suggests that obeying orders diminishes cognitive conflict preceding moral decisions that could harm another person. This study sheds light on a potential mechanism explaining how obedience can blurr morality and lessen our natural aversion to harming others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie A Caspar
- Moral & Social Brain Lab, Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guillaume P Pech
- Center for Research in Cognition and Neuroscience, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Dunivan DW, Mann P, Collins D, Wittmer DP. Expanding the empirical study of virtual reality beyond empathy to compassion, moral reasoning, and moral foundations. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1402754. [PMID: 38984284 PMCID: PMC11231641 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1402754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This study utilizes a controlled experimental design to investigate the influence of a virtual reality experience on empathy, compassion, moral reasoning, and moral foundations. With continued debate and mixed results from previous studies attempting to show relationships between virtual reality and empathy, this study takes advantage of the technology for its ability to provide a consistent, repeatable experience, broadening the scope of analysis beyond empathy. A systematic literature review identified the most widely used and validated moral psychology assessments for the constructs, and these assessments were administered before and after the virtual reality experience. The study is comprised of two pre-post experiments with student participants from a university in the United States. The first experiment investigated change in empathy and moral foundations among 44 participants, and the second investigated change in compassion and moral reasoning among 69 participants. The results showed no significant change in empathy nor compassion, but significant change in moral reasoning from personal interest to post-conventional stages, and significant increase in the Care/harm factor of moral foundations. By testing four of the primary constructs of moral psychology with the most widely used and validated assessments in controlled experiments, this study attempts to advance our understanding of virtual reality and its potential to influence human morality. It also raises questions about our self-reported assessment tools and provides possible new insights for the constructs examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis W. Dunivan
- Daniels College of Business, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
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4
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Gallagher S, Raffone A, Aglioti SM. The pattern theory of compassion. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:504-516. [PMID: 38734530 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Concepts of empathy, sympathy and compassion are often confused in a variety of literatures. This article proposes a pattern-theoretic approach to distinguishing compassion from empathy and sympathy. Drawing on psychology, Western philosophy, affective neuroscience, and contemplative science, we clarify the nature of compassion as a specific pattern of dynamically related factors that include physiological, cognitive, and affective processes, relational/intersubjective processes, and motivational/action tendencies. We also show that the dynamic nature of the compassion pattern is reflected in neuroscientific findings, as well as in compassion practice. The pattern theory of compassion allows us to make several clear distinctions between compassion, empathy, and sympathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Gallagher
- Department of Philosophy, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA; School of Liberal Arts (SOLA), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Antonino Raffone
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore M Aglioti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Center for Life, Nano-, and Neuroscience (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
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5
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David OA, Tomoiagă C, Fodor LA. Gamified Assessment of the Emotion Regulation Abilities in Youth: Validation of the REThink Online System. Games Health J 2024; 13:184-191. [PMID: 38265781 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2023.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Emotional problems in the youth population are a major issue that can have a significant negative impact for their future development as adults. Their emotion regulation (ER) abilities represent a preventive measure for those emotional problems. REThink is an online therapeutic game that was proved to be effective in rigorous studies, and is based on the rational emotive behavioral therapy, with seven levels built to train various emotional regulation skills. Each level has a section that can be used for the assessment of the targeted skills within the level. The present study aimed at investigating the reliability and validity of the evaluation modules from the REThink game regarding the assessment of ER abilities in children/adolescents. Methods: In accordance with established guidelines, 110 children and adolescents aged 8-14 years old were recruited. Following parental informed consent, the participants filled out the standard questionnaires and, subsequently, they played the evaluation module of the REThink game. The reliability aspect was investigated by evaluating internal consistency, while validity was evaluated by using concurrent and predictive validity analyses. Results: The results revealed statistically significant positive associations between the game scores obtained by the participants and the emotion regulation scale. In terms of predictive validity, there were significant negative associations between game scores and the presence of emotional and behavioral problems. Moreover, in terms of the reliability of the REThink game, an acceptable value for the internal consistency was observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, the REThink therapeutic game was proved to be a valid measure for assessing emotion regulation abilities in children and adolescents. Clinical Trial Registration No. NCT04788901.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana A David
- DATA Lab, International Institute for Advanced Studies in Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Tomoiagă
- DATA Lab, International Institute for Advanced Studies in Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Evidence Based Psychological Assessment and Interventions Doctoral School, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Liviu A Fodor
- DATA Lab, International Institute for Advanced Studies in Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Evidence Based Psychological Assessment and Interventions Doctoral School, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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6
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Min HJ, Park SH, Lee SH, Lee BH, Kang M, Kwon MJ, Chang MJ, Negi LT, Samphel T, Won S. Building Resilience and Social-Emotional Competencies in Elementary School Students through a Short-Term Intervention Program Based on the SEE Learning Curriculum. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:458. [PMID: 38920790 PMCID: PMC11200739 DOI: 10.3390/bs14060458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explored the positive effects of a six-week Social-Emotional and Ethical Learning® (SEE Learning) program on resilience and social and emotional competences, adapted for elementary students in Daegu, South Korea, a region strongly affected by the first outbreak of COVID-19. A total of 348 third- and fourth-grade students from 15 elementary schools participated, and the curriculum was tailored, emphasizing key areas such as resilience, attention, kindness, attention training, and compassion. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) tests showed statistically significant improvements between pre- and post-tests in resilience and its subscales, including self-efficacy, tolerance of negative affect, positive support relations, power of control, and spontaneity, as well as in social and emotional competencies, including emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and social tendencies. Despite a lack of maintenance in all areas, at follow-up, the mean scores for self-efficacy, tolerance of negative affect, and positive support relations, as well as emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and social tendency, remained higher than pre-test levels, suggesting some lasting benefits. The findings underscore the potential of the SEE Learning program integrated with resilience, mindfulness, compassion, and ethical practices to enhance students' resilience and social and emotional well-being. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of mindfulness and compassion-based SEL programs to mitigate the adverse effects of traumatic events on children's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jung Min
- Department of Children and Adolescent Education, Dongguk University-WISE, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sang-Hee Park
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.P.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-H.L.); (M.K.); (M.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Seung-Hyun Lee
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.P.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-H.L.); (M.K.); (M.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Bo-Hwa Lee
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.P.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-H.L.); (M.K.); (M.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Mikyung Kang
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.P.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-H.L.); (M.K.); (M.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Mi Ju Kwon
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.P.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-H.L.); (M.K.); (M.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Myung Ju Chang
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.P.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-H.L.); (M.K.); (M.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Lobsang Tenzin Negi
- Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.T.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Tsondue Samphel
- Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.T.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Seunghee Won
- Daegu Student Suicide Prevention Center, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu 41404, Republic of Korea; (S.-H.P.); (S.-H.L.); (B.-H.L.); (M.K.); (M.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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7
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Lee Y, Shin H, Gil YH. Measurement of Empathy in Virtual Reality with Head-Mounted Displays: A Systematic Review. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2024; 30:2485-2495. [PMID: 38437085 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2024.3372076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
We present a systematic review of 111 papers that measure the impact of virtual experiences created through head-mounted displays (HMDs) on empathy. Our goal was to analyze the conditions and the extent to which virtual reality (VR) enhances empathy. To achieve this, we categorized the relevant literature according to measurement methods, correlated human factors, viewing experiences, topics, and participants. Meta-analysis was performed based on categorized themes, and under specified conditions, we found that VR can improve empathy. Emotional empathy increased temporarily after the VR experience and returned to its original level over time, whereas cognitive empathy remained enhanced. Furthermore, while VR did not surpass 2D video in improving emotional empathy, it did enhance cognitive empathy, which is associated with embodiment. Our results are consistent with existing research suggesting differentiation between cognitive empathy (influenced by environmental factors and learnable) and emotional empathy (highly heritable and less variable). Interactivity, target of empathy, and point of view were not found to significantly affect empathy, but participants' age and nationality were found to influence empathy levels. It can be concluded that VR enhances cognitive empathy by immersing individuals in the perspective of others and that storytelling and personal characteristics are more important than the composition of the VR scene. Our findings provide guiding information for creating empathy content in VR and designing experiments to measure empathy.
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8
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Zhang Z, Chen Z. Nonhuman treatment reduces helping others: self-dehumanization as a mechanism. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1352991. [PMID: 38505369 PMCID: PMC10948621 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1352991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectification is a daily experience with various negative consequences. In four studies (N = 877), we tested whether and how objectification experience contributes to decreased prosociality. Using correlational designs (Studies 1 and 2), we found that participants' objectification experience negatively predicted their prosocial intention and that self-dehumanization could account for the negative association between objectification and prosocial intention. Next, by manipulating participants' objectification experience, we found the negative effect of objectification on prosocial intention, as well as the mediating role of self-dehumanization (Studies 3 and 4). Additionally, we tested the mediating role of self-dehumanization in comparison with relative deprivation (another potential mediator), and consistently found that self-dehumanization was a stronger mediator in accounting for the effect of objectification on prosocial intention (Studies 1, 2, and 4). Together, our findings support the process of self-dehumanization following objectification and offer new insights into the relationship between objectification and prosociality. The implications and limitations of the research were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaixuan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhansheng Chen
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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9
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Fabris MA, Longobardi C, Settanni M, Mastrokoukou S. Childhood trauma and factors influencing primary school teachers' reporting of child abuse: Insights from Italy. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106631. [PMID: 38218053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood traumatic experiences can profoundly impact individuals, posing risks to the physical and psychological well-being of children and influencing their psychological development. Teachers in primary schools play a critical role in identifying and reporting suspected cases of child abuse and maltreatment (CAM), which initiates child protection interventions. However, the psychological factors that influence teachers' likelihood of reporting suspected CAM cases remain largely unexplored. AIM This study investigates the influence of teachers' childhood traumatic experiences and psychological factors (i.e., cognitive empathy and psychological detachment) on their reporting behavior regarding child abuse and maltreatment, addressing an important social issue. PARTICIPANTS The study involved 1380 primary school teachers from Italy (88.3 % female; aged 21-69, Mage 46.7, DS 10.3). RESULTS The results reveal that teachers with a history of childhood emotional abuse tend to report a higher number of suspected child abuse and maltreatment cases. Other forms of traumatic childhood experiences were not significantly associated with teachers' reporting suspected cases of CAM. Additionally, cognitive empathy and psychological detachment emerge as significant predictors of teachers' reporting behavior. CONCLUSIONS This research contributes to the existing literature by providing unique insights into actual reporting behavior within an unexplored cultural context.
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10
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Bhatt KV, Weissman CR. The effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior: a proposed mechanism for enduring antidepressant effects. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:7. [PMID: 38609500 PMCID: PMC10955966 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic shown to have enduring antidepressant effects. Currently, the mechanism for its enduring effects is not well understood. Empathy and prosocial behavior may be important for understanding the therapeutic benefit of psilocybin. In this article we review the effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior. Moreover, we propose that psilocybin may induce a positive feedback loop involving empathy and prosocial behavior which helps explain the observed, enduring antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kush V Bhatt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cory R Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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11
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Suhaiba A, Choubey AS, Drake B, Kerns J, Gonzalez MH. From Bedside Manner to Surgical Excellence: A Historical Exploration and Contemporary Importance of Empathy in Orthopaedic Surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024:00004623-990000000-00994. [PMID: 38252709 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.23.00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Suhaiba
- University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Apurva S Choubey
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brett Drake
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - James Kerns
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark H Gonzalez
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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12
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Pérula-Jiménez C, Romero-Rodríguez E, Fernández-Solana J, Fernández-García JÁ, Parras-Rejano JM, Pérula-de Torres LÁ, González-de la Rubia A, González-Santos J. Primary Care Professionals' Empathy and Its Relationship to Approaching Patients with Risky Alcohol Consumption. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:262. [PMID: 38275543 PMCID: PMC10815215 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the level of empathy among primary care (PC) health professionals and its relationship with their approach to patients at risk due to alcohol consumption. This is an observational, descriptive, and multicenter study that included 80 PHC professionals. The professionals completed a questionnaire comprising socio-occupational questions and inquiries regarding their actions when dealing with patients suspected of risky alcohol consumption. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy was used to measure their level of empathy and was completed by 80 professionals, of whom 57.5% were family physicians, 10% were nurses, and 32.5% were family- and community-medicine residents. The mean age was 39.5 ± 13.1 (SD) (range of 24-65 years) and 71.3% were females. The mean empathy level score was 112.9 ± 11.1 (95% CI: 110.4-115.4; range: 81-132 points). Actions that stood out for their frequency were providing health advice in the general population, offering advice to pregnant women, and recommending abstinence to users of hazardous machinery or motor vehicles. The level of empathy was associated with age (p = 0.029), the health center's scope (p = 0.044), systematic alcohol exploration (p = 0.034), and follow-ups for patients diagnosed with risky consumption (p = 0.037). The mean score obtained indicated a high level of empathy among professionals. Professionals with greater empathy more frequently conducted systematic screening for risky alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Pérula-Jiménez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, 14011 Cordoba, Spain; (C.P.-J.); (E.R.-R.); (J.Á.F.-G.)
- Montoro Health Center, Andalusian Health Service, 14600 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Esperanza Romero-Rodríguez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, 14011 Cordoba, Spain; (C.P.-J.); (E.R.-R.); (J.Á.F.-G.)
- Cordoba and Guadalquivir Health District, 14001 Cordoba, Spain;
| | | | - José Ángel Fernández-García
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, 14011 Cordoba, Spain; (C.P.-J.); (E.R.-R.); (J.Á.F.-G.)
- Villarrubia Center, 14005 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Parras-Rejano
- Cordoba and Guadalquivir Health District, 14001 Cordoba, Spain;
- Huerta de la Reina Health Center, Andalusian Health Service, 14600 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Luis Ángel Pérula-de Torres
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Prevention and Health Promotion (RICAPS-ISCIII), 08007 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Program of Preventive Activities and Health Promotion (PAPPS-semFYC), 08009 Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Flasbeck V, Matthiessen A, Alabowitz A, Rusu AC, Brüne M. Is your pain my pain? A study exploring the relation between pain sensitivity, pain thresholds and empathy for somatic and psychological pain. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:748-761. [PMID: 37605326 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research has shown that empathy for both somatic and psychological pain recruits affective components of the so-called pain matrix, a set of brain regions that is activated during the perception of somatic pain. In addition, the subjective evaluation of experimentally induced somatic pain is related to empathy for somatic pain. In contrast, it is unclear whether or not the subjective sensitivity to somatic pain impacts on empathy for psychological pain. METHODS In the present study, 55 healthy participants conducted a pain-pressure-test (PPT) and a cold-pressor test (CPT) in order to assess pain thresholds, pain tolerance and evaluation of pain during the task. They further conducted the social interaction empathy task (SIET), which investigates empathy for somatic as well as psychological pain. All participants completed the interpersonal-reactivity index (IRI) and the pain-sensitivity questionnaire (PSQ). RESULTS Participants who are in general more sensitive to somatic pain, as indicated by high-PSQ scores, showed higher empathy, that is, higher pain ratings, for both somatic and psychological painful situations observed in others as compared to those with low-PSQ scores. High-PSQ scores and high pain and unpleasantness ratings during the CPT were correlated with empathy for pain (both pain conditions), whereas pain thresholds (PPT) and pain tolerance thresholds (CPT) did not correlate with empathy. The IRI subscore 'personal distress' correlated with psychological pain ratings. CONCLUSIONS Thus, empathy for both somatic and psychological pain were related to the subjective evaluation of somatic pain and general pain sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Flasbeck
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Annegret Matthiessen
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anne Alabowitz
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Adina Carmen Rusu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Brüne
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Banwinkler M, Rütgen M, Lamm C, Hartmann H. A pill as a quick solution: association between painkiller intake, empathy, and prosocial behavior. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18320. [PMID: 37884594 PMCID: PMC10603176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45267-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated a link between the administration of analgesic drugs and the reduction of empathy levels in humans. This apparent blunting effect of pain medication has been explained through shared neural mechanisms for the first-hand and the empathic experience of pain (simulation theory). Considering that analgesics are among the most consumed drugs in the world and the ability to empathize with others is fundamental to human social interactions, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether the typical day-to-day analgesic consumption rate in Austria and Germany is associated with a reduction in empathy and prosocial behavior. We therefore collected self-reports of analgesic consumption behavior as well as empathy for pain and prosocial behavior measures in an online survey (n = 940). Analyses revealed no significant association between the analgesic intake frequency and measures of empathy or prosocial behavior. However, liberal intake of analgesics (i.e. mind-set of "a pill is a quick solution") was linked to lower empathic concern and helping behavior, which may hint towards a negative effect in people who take pain medication for non-pain related issues or episodes of low pain. Nevertheless, further research is needed to investigate the effects of analgesic drugs in high frequency users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Banwinkler
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne Germany, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Rütgen
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claus Lamm
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helena Hartmann
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Clinical Neurosciences, Department for Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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15
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Song D, Wang C, Jin Y, Deng Y, Yan Y, Wang D, Zhu Z, Ke Z, Wang Z, Wu Y, Ni J, Qing H, Quan Z. Mediodorsal thalamus-projecting anterior cingulate cortex neurons modulate helping behavior in mice. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4330-4342.e5. [PMID: 37734375 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Many species living in groups can perform prosocial behaviors via voluntarily helping others with or without benefits for themselves. To provide a better understanding of the neural basis of such prosocial behaviors, we adapted a preference lever-switching task in which mice can prevent harm to others by switching from using a lever that causes shocks to a conspecific one that does not. We found the harm avoidance behavior was mediated by self-experience and visual and social contact but not by gender or familiarity. By combining single-unit recordings and analysis of neural trajectory decoding, we demonstrated the dynamics of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neural activity changes synchronously with the harm avoidance performance of mice. In addition, ACC neurons projected to the mediodorsal thalamus (MDL) to modulate the harm avoidance behavior. Optogenetic activation of the ACC-MDL circuit during non-preferred lever pressing (nPLP) and inhibition of this circuit during preferred lever pressing (PLP) both resulted in the loss of harm avoidance ability. This study revealed the ACC-MDL circuit modulates prosocial behavior to avoid harm to conspecifics and may shed light on the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders with dysfunction of prosocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunjian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yue Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yujun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Deheng Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zilu Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zunji Ke
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disease, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 518172, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
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16
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Kalénine S, Decroix J. The pain hidden in your hands: Facial expression of pain reduces the influence of goal-related information in action recognition. Neuropsychologia 2023; 189:108658. [PMID: 37574186 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of the sensorimotor system in the perception of painful actions has been repeatedly demonstrated. Yet the cognitive processes corresponding to sensorimotor activations have not been identified. In particular, the respective role of higher-level and lower-level action representations such as goals and grips in the recognition of painful actions is not clear. Previous research has shown that in a neutral context, higher-level action representations (goals) are prioritized over lower-level action representations (grips) and guide action recognition. The present study evaluates to what extent the general priority given to goal-related information in the processing of visual actions can be modulated by a context of pain. We used the action violation paradigm developed by van Elk et al. (2008). In the present action tasks, participants had to judge whether the grip or the goal of object-directed actions displayed in photographs was correct or not. The actress in the photograph could show either a neutral facial expression or a facial expression of pain. In the control task, they had to judge whether the actress expressed pain. In the action tasks, goals influenced grip judgements more than grips influenced goal judgements overall, corroborating the priority given to goal-related information previously reported. Critically, the impact of irrelevant goal-related information on the identification of incorrect grips disappeared in the pain context. Moreover, judgements in the control task were similarly influenced by grip and goal-related information. Results suggest that a context of pain reduces the reliance on higher-level action for action judgments. Findings provide novel directions regarding the cognitive and brain mechanisms involved in action processing in painful situations and support pluralist views of action understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solène Kalénine
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Jérémy Decroix
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, F-59000, Lille, France
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17
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Hartmann H, Banwinkler M, Riva F, Lamm C. To respond or not to respond: exploring empathy-related psychological and structural brain differences between placebo analgesia responders and non-responders. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1257522. [PMID: 37849473 PMCID: PMC10577216 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1257522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Placebo responsiveness is highly variable across individuals. In the domain of pain, it may range from pronounced hypoalgesia to no response at all. Which factors predict such variation awaits clarification, as the available literature is characterized by mixed and inconclusive results. Particularly interesting in this case are social factors such as empathy or prosocial behavior, as prior work has stressed the connection between feeling pain yourself and empathizing with pain observed in others. Methods In a mixed confirmatory and exploratory approach, this study investigated potential psychological and structural brain differences between placebo responders and non-responders in the domain of pain. We aggregated data of four behavioral and neuroimaging studies that had been designed to investigate the effects of placebo analgesia on empathy. Results Analyses comparing groups of placebo responders and non-responders showed significant group differences in trait characteristics, with responders reporting increased helping behavior and lower psychopathic traits compared to non-responders. Uncorrected results further showed higher pain-related empathic concern in responders vs. non-responders. These results were accompaniedby tentative group differences in brain structure: placebo analgesia non-responders exhibited increased gray matter volume in left inferior temporal and parietal supramarginal cortical areas, and an increased cortical surface area in bilateral middle temporal cortex. Discussion Together, our findings suggest that modifiability of one's pain perception by means of placebo effects is linked to personality traits characterizing social emotions and behavior. They also hint that these psychological as well as brain structural characteristics might be beneficial for the identification of placebo responders. At the same time, they stress the importance of considering contextual factors such as the study setting or paradigm when investigating the association between individual characteristics and placebo responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hartmann
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Magdalena Banwinkler
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Federica Riva
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Wang Z, Laninga-Wijnen L, Garandeau CF, Liu J. Development and Validation of the Adolescent Defending Behaviors Questionnaire Among Chinese Early Adolescents. Assessment 2023; 30:2258-2275. [PMID: 36633101 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221149082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the multidimensionality of defending by developing and validating the Adolescent Defending Behaviors Questionnaire (ADBQ) in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Results of Study 1 (N = 824, Mage = 11.25) indicated that a five-factor model, comprising (a) assertive defending, (b) aggressive defending, (c) comforting victims, (d) reporting to authority, and (e) tactical defending, yielded a good fit to the data. Study 2 (N = 1,086, Mage = 11.18) established ADBQ's reliability (α = .78-.93) and construct validity: the five defending dimensions were differentially associated with cognitive and affective empathy, aggression, sociability, peer preference, and victimization. Together, the results suggest that the ADBQ is a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument for assessing the multidimensionality of defending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Wang
- East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- University of Turku, Finland
| | | | | | - Junsheng Liu
- East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, China
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19
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Marková IS. Empathy: a case study in the historical epistemology of psychiatry. HISTORY OF PSYCHIATRY 2023; 34:273-286. [PMID: 37012701 DOI: 10.1177/0957154x231163764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The hybrid constitution of psychiatry carries important implications for understanding the discipline and the legitimacy of its research approaches. One implication concerns the central role of concepts in forming the knowledge base of psychiatry. Because of this, it is vital to explore the structures and interrelationships of concepts through their historical constitution. Using this approach to compare concepts of empathy as articulated by R Vischer, T Lipps and E Stein shows that, despite overlap, the concepts vary in structure, in meaning and in the aspect of reality they capture. This suggests that the concept of empathy carries an unstable ontology and epistemology. In turn, this carries implications for the concept itself, for psychiatry and for research approaches in this field.
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20
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Asadollah F, Nikfarid L, Sabery M, Varzeshnejad M, Hashemi F. The Impact of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Compassion Fatigue of Nurses Working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study. Holist Nurs Pract 2023; 37:215-222. [PMID: 37335149 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Compassion fatigue is a common complication in nurses, which can lead to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and a decline in the quality of patient care. This study aimed to investigate the impact of loving-kindness meditation on compassion fatigue of nurses working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This cluster-blinded randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 66 NICU nurses in 2 educational hospitals selected. The intervention group received a 1-month online program for daily training and practice of loving-kindness meditation. The control group received miscellaneous files on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The Nursing Compassion Fatigue Inventory (NCFI) was filled out by the 2 groups, before and after the intervention. The results showed that the mean scores of the NCFI in the intervention group decreased significantly compared with before the intervention (P = .002). In comparison with the control group, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the 2 groups after the intervention (P = .034). Among nurses working in NICU, loving-kindness meditation significantly reduces compassion fatigue after 1 month. These findings support the use of this intervention for nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Asadollah
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (Mss Asadollah and Hashemi and Dr Nikfarid); Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Kashan, Iran (Dr Sabery); and Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (Dr Varzeshnejad)
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21
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Nion N, Serresse L, Lavault S, Similowski T. From the sound of breathing to the sound of distress: implications for dyspnoeic patients and their caregivers. Eur Respir J 2023; 62:2300982. [PMID: 37474150 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00982-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Nion
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département R3S, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Laure Serresse
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Fédération "Soins Palliatifs, Accompagnement et Soins de Support", F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Lavault
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Médecine de Réadaptation Respiratoire, Département R3S, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Similowski
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, F-75005 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, Fédération "Soins Palliatifs, Accompagnement et Soins de Support", F-75013 Paris, France
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22
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Campos C, Rocha NB, Barbosa F. Dissociating cognitive and affective empathy across psychopathy dimensions: The role of interoception and alexithymia. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1082965. [PMID: 37457066 PMCID: PMC10345207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1082965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the associations between psychopathy dimensions (triarchic phenotypes and classical factors), empathy domains (cognitive and affective), and interoception (interoceptive attention and accuracy) while accounting for the putative role of alexithymia. A community sample (n = 515) completed an online survey encompassing: Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (boldness, meanness, disinhibition); Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (primary and secondary psychopathy); Body Perception Questionnaire (interoceptive attention); Interoceptive Accuracy Scale; Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Hierarchical linear regression models were implemented for hypothesis-driven analyses examining the associations between psychopathy, empathy, and interoception while controlling for sex, age, and alexithymia. Exploratory path models were employed to investigate alexithymia and/or cognitive empathy as mediators between interoception and psychopathy. Our results largely confirmed the postulated empathy profiles across psychopathy dimensions, as meanness and primary psychopathy displayed a broad empathy impairment, while disinhibition and secondary psychopathy were only associated with diminished cognitive empathy. Importantly, boldness displayed a unique pattern (enhanced cognitive empathy and reduced affective empathy), further reinforcing its importance within the constellation of psychopathy traits. Contrary to our hypotheses, self-perceived interoceptive attention and accuracy were not associated with either psychopathy dimension after controlling for alexithymia. However, interoceptive accuracy and alexithymia were associated with cognitive empathy, while alexithymia was also positively related to all psychopathy dimensions (as expected), despite the unexpected strong and negative association with boldness. Exploratory analyses suggested significant indirect effects (mediation) between interoceptive accuracy and psychopathy via alexithymia and/or cognitive empathy. These mediating effects must be interpreted with caution and future studies should be designed to formally test this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Neurocognition Group|LabRP, School of Health, Center for Rehabilitation Research, Polytechnic University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Barbosa Rocha
- School of Health, Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, Polytechnic University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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23
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Rębisz S, Jasińska-Maciążek A, Grygiel P, Dolata R. Psycho-Social Correlates of Cyberbullying among Polish Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085521. [PMID: 37107803 PMCID: PMC10139186 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyberbullying has recently attracted attention due to its increasing prevalence and serious consequences for both victims and perpetrators. The objective of this population-based study was to examine the determinants of a person becoming a perpetrator of cyberbullying, including personal resources (emotional self-regulation, self-esteem, internal locus of control, optimism), social skills (prosocial behavior, assertiveness, cognitive empathy, cooperation), peer relationships (peer support, threats from peers, peer rejection, dislike of peers), and problematic Internet use (excessive Internet use, impulsive reactions to Internet deprivation). Participants (N = 541) were students at elementary schools (age 14-15) in Ostroleka, a city in central-eastern Poland. Two-part regression was used to explore protective/risk factors of the likelihood of an individual using cyberviolence (dichotomous part: involvement in violence) and how often it is used (continuous part: frequency of cyberbullying). The results showed that the emotional component is crucial to cyberbullying, as indicated by the importance of emotional self-control, which reduces the frequency of cyberbullying. Other important factors are assertiveness, impulsive response to limited Internet access (which increases the likelihood of engaging in cyberbullying) and fear of peers (which reduces its frequency). In turn, the importance of pro-sociality (which inhibits engagement) and peer support (which promotes engagement) points to the second important component of cyberbullying-that is, group mechanisms. At the same time, the results indicate that while the importance of Internet addiction as a risk factor for cyberbullying should not be underestimated, the amount of time spent online cannot be seen as the source of the problem. The study leads to the conclusion that effective interventions targeting cyberbullying should focus on the development of more adaptive styles of coping with emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Rębisz
- Institute of Education, University of Rzeszów, ul. Ks. Jałowego 24, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Paweł Grygiel
- Institute of Education, Jagiellonian University, ul. Batorego 12, 31-135 Kraków, Poland
| | - Roman Dolata
- Faculty of Education, University of Warsaw, ul. Mokotowska 16/20, 00-561 Warsaw, Poland
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24
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Cai Z, Qi B. Cognitive flexibility as a protective factor for empathy. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1064494. [PMID: 36733867 PMCID: PMC9887175 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1064494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although cognitive flexibility has always been considered essential to empathy, the relevant findings have been inconsistent. Inconsistent results may be because cognitive flexibility is a multi-level structure, while empathy is also a multilayer structure, and there are differences in how researchers define and measure cognitive flexibility. Therefore, the study explores the relationship between cognitive flexibility and empathy from a multi-dimensional perspective. This study involved 105 China students aged between 18 and 22 (M age = 20.26, SD = 2.00) who completed the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (cognitive flexibility trait, cognitive flexibility at the individual level), perspective-switching flexibility task (perspective-switching flexibility, cognitive flexibility at the cognitive level), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index scale (IRI, traits empathy), Multi-dimensional Empathy Test (state empathy), 2-back task (inhibitory control), and Stroop task (working memory). After controlling for additional variables, the results showed that: (1) Cognitive flexibility traits negatively predicted trait cognitive (IRI-PT) and affective empathy (IRI-EC). (2) The Other/Self perspective-switching flexibility negatively predicted the affective component of state empathy. (3) Cognitive flexibility traits and Other/Self perspective-switching flexibility negatively predicted empathy even after controlling for one of these. The study's results suggested that cognitive flexibility negatively predicts empathy and is a protective factor for reducing the cost of empathy and promoting emotion regulation.
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25
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Barrera A, de La Motte de Broöns de Vauvert SJGN. Empathy and the work of clinical psychiatrists: narrative review. BJPSYCH ADVANCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1192/bja.2022.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Clinical research suggests that empathy is associated with better clinical outcomes in various areas of medical care, raising the question of whether a similar effect occurs in psychiatry. The aim of this review is to explore philosophical, neuroscientific and psychological perspectives on the concept of empathy in the context of the day-to-day work of clinical psychiatrists. The definition of empathy is outlined and sociodemographic factors, working conditions and psychiatrists’ beliefs that can potentially affect empathy in clinical encounters are explored; educational and training aspects are also reviewed. The review concludes suggesting that research on empathy is needed to understand contextual, training and relational factors that could benefit mental healthcare as well as the working conditions of clinical psychiatrists, both inextricably linked.
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26
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Karnaze MM, Rajagopalan RM, Eyler LT, Bloss CS. Compassion as a tool for allyship and anti-racism. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1143384. [PMID: 37113123 PMCID: PMC10127679 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1143384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Racist systems, policies, and institutions subvert the quality of life for minoritized individuals and groups, across all indicators, from education and employment, to health, to community safety. Reforms to address systemic racism may be accelerated with greater support from allies who identify with the dominant groups that derive advantage from such systems. Although enhancing empathy and compassion for impacted individuals and groups may foster greater allyship with and support of minoritized communities, little work to date has assessed the relationships among compassion, empathy, and allyship. After reviewing current work in the area, this perspective offers insights into the utility and specific components of a compassion-based framework that can be used to combat racism, using findings from a survey study in which we investigated the relationship between validated psychometric measures of compassion and allyship with minoritized communities. Several subdomains of compassion, as measured among individuals identifying as non-Black, correlate significantly with levels of felt allyship with Black or African American communities. These findings inform recommendations for compassion-focused research, including development and testing of interventions to promote allyship, advocacy, and solidarity with minoritized groups, and support efforts to undo longstanding structural racisms that have patterned inequality in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Karnaze
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Empathy and Technology, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ramya M. Rajagopalan
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Empathy and Technology, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Lisa T. Eyler
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Empathy and Compassion Training in Medical Education, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cinnamon S. Bloss
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Center for Empathy and Technology, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Cinnamon S. Bloss,
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Hughes C, Ronchi L, Heng J, Basile C, Del Sette P, Lecce S. What Mediates the Effect of Family Disruption in the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children’s Prosocial Behavior. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1027/1864-9335/a000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented social distancing rules (including mass school closures) dramatically constrained children’s social lives, jeopardizing human connections that foster prosocial development. This study of 2,516 families of 3–8-year-olds from six countries (China, Sweden, Australia, Italy, the USA, and the United Kingdom) examined whether children’s understanding or feelings about COVID-19 regulations mediated the expected association between COVID-19-related family disruption and children’s prosocial behavior, as indexed by parental ratings. For all six sites, family disruption indirectly predicted reduced prosocial behavior. Negative feelings about COVID-19 regulations mediated this association in all sites except China. Contrariwise, understanding of COVID-19 regulations was not implicated in the link between family disruption and reduced prosocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hughes
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luca Ronchi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jean Heng
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chiara Basile
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Del Sette
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Lecce
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Weiß M, Iotzov V, Zhou Y, Hein G. The bright and dark sides of egoism. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1054065. [PMID: 36506436 PMCID: PMC9729783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1054065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its negative reputation, egoism - the excessive concern for one's own welfare - can incite prosocial behavior. So far, however, egoism-based prosociality has received little attention. Here, we first provide an overview of the conditions under which egoism turns into a prosocial motive, review the benefits and limitations of egoism-based prosociality, and compare them with empathy-driven prosocial behavior. Second, we summarize studies investigating the neural processing of egoism-based prosocial decisions, studies investigating the neural processing of empathy-based prosocial decisions, and the small number of studies that compared the neural processing of prosocial decisions elicited by the different motives. We conclude that there is evidence for differential neural networks involved in egoism and empathy-based prosocial decisions. However, this evidence is not yet conclusive, because it is mainly based on the comparison of different experimental paradigms which may exaggerate or overshadow the effect of the different motivational states. Finally, we propose paradigms and research questions that should be tackled in future research that could help to specify how egoism can be used to enhance other prosocial behavior and motivation, and the how it could be tamed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Weiß
- Translational Social Neuroscience Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Wu YE, Hong W. Neural basis of prosocial behavior. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:749-762. [PMID: 35853793 PMCID: PMC10039809 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability to behave in ways that benefit other individuals' well-being is among the most celebrated human characteristics crucial for social cohesiveness. Across mammalian species, animals display various forms of prosocial behaviors - comforting, helping, and resource sharing - to support others' emotions, goals, and/or material needs. In this review, we provide a cross-species view of the behavioral manifestations, proximate and ultimate drives, and neural mechanisms of prosocial behaviors. We summarize key findings from recent studies in humans and rodents that have shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying different processes essential for prosocial interactions, from perception and empathic sharing of others' states to prosocial decisions and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Emily Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Weizhe Hong
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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30
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Association of compassion and empathy with prosocial health behaviors and attitudes in a pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271829. [PMID: 35867687 PMCID: PMC9307157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This investigation examined how dispositional compassion and empathy were associated with prosocial behaviors and attitudes in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Every two weeks from March 22 to June 15, 2020, we fielded a survey to a new cohort of adults in the U.S. Compassion related to whether one stayed home to protect others, more hours spent staying home and distancing from others, and more frequent mask wearing in public, in the past two weeks. Compassion also related to greater perceived ability to help others who were negatively affected. Empathy related to more endorsement of understanding others’ fear of COVID-19, and less endorsement of the view that others were overreacting to COVID-19. There was an interaction between empathy and political ideology, suggesting that empathy may matter for understanding others’ fear among those with more conservative-leaning beliefs. Empathy also related to greater understanding that sheltering-in-place helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Findings suggest that messaging and interventions to increase compassion and empathy may promote public health behaviors during a pandemic regardless of political orientation. Targeting empathy may be one way to reach individuals with more conservative political beliefs, and it is important to use an evidence-based approach accounting for political party differences in motivated reasoning.
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31
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Zhu J, Yan L, Mu Y. Comparisons Between COVID-19 Stigma and Other Stigmas: Distinct in Explicit Attitudes and Similar in Implicit Process. Front Psychol 2022; 13:848993. [PMID: 35558720 PMCID: PMC9087195 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.848993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the public stigma associated with COVID-19 has emerged. To better understand the COVID-19 stigma, the present research conducted three studies on 1,493 Chinese participants from the outbreak to the recovery period of the COVID-19 pandemic to examine the psychological mechanisms of COVID-19 stigma by comparing it with other disease-related stigmas in terms of their explicit and implicit processes. Study 1 and Study 2 jointly demonstrated that the public endorsed more stigma toward the COVID-19 related people (i.e., the COVID-19 patients) relative to the other disease-related people (i.e., the SARS patients, people with flu) in multiple explicit aspects, including emotional, motivational, cognitive, and social processing. Using the implicit association test (IAT), Study 3 found no significant difference in the implicit measures of the COVID-19 vs. the SARS groups, which further revealed that the pandemic stigmas (i.e., COVID-19 and SARS) were similar at the implicit level. These findings suggest common (implicit level) but distinct (explicit level) psychological processes of the pandemic-related stigmas, which provide reference to policymakers in formulating suitable interventions to deal with COVID-19 stigma and a newly generated potential stigma and provide psychological support for the public in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Yan Mu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yan Mu,
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Campos C, Pasion R, Azeredo A, Ramião E, Mazer P, Macedo I, Barbosa F. Refining the link between psychopathy, antisocial behavior, and empathy: A meta-analytical approach across different conceptual frameworks. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 94:102145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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