---
title: "Empathy - A review of the concept - Center for Nonviolent Communication"
description: ""
url: "https://www.cnvc.org/learn/research/empathy-a-review-of-the-concept"
date: "2026-10-05T00:20:22+00:00"
language: "en-US"
---

#  Empathy

#  A review of the concept

Academic Journal Article by **Cuff, Benjamin M.P., Brown, Sarah J., Taylor, Laura., Howat, Douglas J.** in English (2016)

 Emotion Review, 8(2), 144-153

The inconsistent definition of empathy has had a negative impact on both research and practice. The aim of this article is to review and critically appraise a range of definitions of empathy and, through considered analysis, to develop a new conceptualisation.

From the examination of 43 discrete definitions, 8 themes relating to the nature of empathy emerged: "distinguishing empathy from other concepts"; "cognitive or affective?"; "congruent or incongruent?"; "subject to other stimuli?"; "self/other distinction or merging?"; "trait or state influences?"; "has a behavioural outcome?"; and "automatic or controlled?".

The relevance and validity of each theme is assessed and a new conceptualisation of empathy is offered. The benefits of employing a more consistent and complete definition of empathy are discussed.

 [ Read Article ](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1754073914558466)