1. Empathy, sympathy, and altruism—An evident triad based on compassion. A theoretical model for caring.
- Author
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Arman, Maria
- Subjects
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EMPATHY , *ALTRUISM , *MATHEMATICAL models , *COMPASSION , *HUMANITY , *THEORY - Abstract
Background: Based on existing confusion and a suggested contradiction regarding empathy and compassion in relation to caring science as well as in clinical health care. Aim: The 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. Design: A theoretical paper. Results: The 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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