In psychology, how is empathy defined?

Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This involves an emotional connection where one can resonate with the experiences and emotions of others, allowing for a deeper level of understanding and support. When we empathize, we not only recognize what someone else might be going through but also emotionally relate to those feelings, which can foster compassion and strengthen interpersonal relationships. This understanding is crucial in various settings, including therapy, where the therapist's ability to empathize can significantly affect a client's healing process.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of empathy. Ignoring others' feelings is contrary to the concept of empathy. Analyzing emotional distress scientifically misrepresents empathy since it focuses more on intellectual assessment rather than emotional connection. Finally, communicating without emotional involvement may imply a degree of detachment, which is also opposed to the empathetic experience, where emotional connection is fundamental.