The present study investigates the effects of a self developed empathy training for the social professions. As Empathy is defined in varying ways in the current literature, an integrative definition is proposefd using the Empathy Process Model (EPM). According to this empathy can be seen as a process that incorporates aspects of both a stable personality trait and an ability, which can be trained and developed into practical skills. The model also allows explaining dysfunctional empathic behavior such as the Empathic Short Circuit (ESC). The ESC is described as a communicative shortcut to escape an emotionally tense situation by disrupting the emotional interaction, leaving both involved with a diffuse dissatisfaction. lt is assumed that the accumulation of these reactions over time may reflect in psychosomatic and symptoms of emotional strain. To review one's own empathic actions the concept of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by Rosenberg is suggested. The training program which is subsequently described in its development and prior evaluative studies builds on the NVC concept. The aim is to reflect one's empathic actions to avoid the ESC as well as to install alternative strategies to deal with intense emotional situations in the everyday work context of the social professions.

An evaluation of the training program is presented assessing its acceptance and efficacy in nursing schools with a total of 448 participants in the longitudinal intervention-control-Group study. Significant changes could be achieved in strengthening several social and emotional competences as well as in reducing psychosomatic and symptoms of emotional strain. A higher acceptance for one's own emotions and a higher experienced agency, i.e., capacity to act in emotionally tense situations were among the major effects of the training. The NVC concept of balance between focusing of empathy for the other person and focusing one's own emotional situation has been proven to be a useful strategy in reducing emotional strain and has been successfully implemented in the training program for the social professions. Further studies are necessary, e.g., to analyze of the effectiveness of single training units in detail.