Emotional empathy vs. cognitive empathy

Emotional Empathy: Literally feeling what the other person feels. Compassion

Empathy is not a single phenomenon. Psychologists distinguish between two main types: emotional empathy and cognitive empathy.

Emotional empathy is the ability to feel what the other person is feeling. It is the visceral response, emotional contagion.

When we see someone cry, we feel a tightness in the chest. This response is automatic and is the basis of compassion.

Cognitive Empathy: Understanding what the other person feels without experiencing it. Objectivity

Cognitive empathy, on the other hand, is different. It is the ability to understand what another person is feeling without needing to experience that emotion.

It involves understanding their perspective, thoughts, and intentions in a more intellectual and detached way.

The use of cognitive empathy for exploitation (scammers, psychopaths)

This form of empathy allows us to be more objective and respond more rationally. However, it also has a dark side.

Because it doesn't involve feeling the other person's emotions, it can be used to manipulate. A skilled con artist fully understands their victim's fears in order to deceive them.

The importance of balancing both types of empathy

Ideally, you want to develop a healthy balance between the two. We need emotional empathy to connect and be compassionate.

And we need cognitive empathy to understand and act wisely.

Summary

Emotional empathy is a visceral response that allows us to literally feel what another person is experiencing, such as sadness or joy. It is automatic and forms the basis of genuine compassion.

Cognitive empathy, on the other hand, involves understanding what another person feels without experiencing it. It allows us to rationally analyze situations from their perspective, albeit without direct emotional involvement.

Both types are essential and must be balanced. Emotional empathy connects and humanizes us, while cognitive empathy helps us make objective decisions without losing sensitivity to others.