Empathy is an important concept related to the relationships mentioned in the last century. This concept has gained importance, especially as its importance in relationships has been proven in recent studies. So what is empathy?
Empathy is popularly known as putting oneself in someone else's shoes. But the situation is not that simple. It is right to put yourself in someone else's shoes in order to understand someone else's feelings. However, in order for empathy to be complete, the person who feels the other person may need to make the other person feel what they feel through feedback. It was a very emotional sentence. So, if I understand that the other person understands me, then it means that the other person has empathized with me.
Difference between Empathy and Sympathy
The concepts of empathy and sympathy can be confused with each other.
Empathy is established as follows:
-I felt the other person
-I kept to myself
-I stated what I felt
In the case of sympathy, this principle is blocked. The person literally feels the other person and becomes the other person. However, what is healthy is being able to take care of the other person as well. In this sense, the main goal in relationships is empathy.
Scientific basis of empathy: Mirror Neuron
The scientific basis underlying the concept of empathy is mirror neurons. Mirror neurons are a group of neurons found by chance in a laboratory. Researchers working with monkeys whose brains were connected to electrodes started by finding that when a monkey saw a researcher's hand reaching for a banana, the same areas in its brain that were active when it touched its own banana were activated. Mirror neurons actually mean that we perceive someone else's experience as our own. In other words, it exactly meets empathy.
Benefits of Empathy
-Empathy strengthens social bonds.
-Empathizing with others helps us identify and regulate our own emotions.
-Empathy encourages helping others.
An example of empathy:
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Imagine someone who has lost a loved one. This person shares their loss with you. While listening to this person, you will feel like that person even if you don't want to, thanks to your mirror neurons. But don't forget that person's deep pain. You will feel it without swelling. Afterwards, if you look into their eyes and say, "This is a great pain, I can see how much it hurts," you will be showing empathy to the other person.
Empathy does not only apply to sad events. People also want to share their joy and they want their joy to be seen and heard. Empathy is also valid in happy events.
A person is happiest when he sees himself in someone else's eyes and when he feels this seeing in person. Relationships are actually the art of seeing each other. Empathy is an indispensable concept in a healthy relationship.
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