Somatic underpinnings of perceived empathy: the importance of psychotherapy training

Psychother Res. 2013;23(2):169-77. doi: 10.1080/10503307.2012.748940. Epub 2012 Dec 13.

Abstract

This study investigated the somatic underpinning of empathy using an interpersonal physiology approach. Thirty-nine dyads were formed by a "pseudo-patient" and a "listener" (a therapist, a psychologist, or a non-therapist). Dyadic physiological concordance in electrodermal responses and listeners' empathy were evaluated during simulations of clinical sessions. A significant positive correlation between empathy as perceived by pseudo-patients and physiological concordance was found, providing empirical evidence of a somatic underpinning of empathy. Moreover, therapists showed higher levels of physiological concordance and empathy, confirming the importance of psychotherapy training in managing clinical interactions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Empathy / physiology*
  • Female
  • Galvanic Skin Response / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Psychotherapy / education*
  • Young Adult