Empathy as a Determinant of Pro-Social and Antisocial Behaviors: Theoretical Foundations, Measurement Methods, and Behavioral Outcomes
Empathy as a Determinant of Pro-Social and Antisocial Behaviors: Theoretical Foundations, Measurement Methods, and Behavioral Outcomes

Summary/Abstract: Empathy is the ability to understand the feelings and thoughts of others and to react to them appropriately. Therefore, it has an important role in strengthening interpersonal relationships and supporting social cohesion. Cognitive empathy involves understanding another person's point of view, while emotional empathy involves experiencing what they feel. In this study, the definition of empathy, its components, measurement methods and its relationship with pro-social and antisocial behaviours are discussed. Empathy is measured by self-report scales, behavioural methods and neuroimaging techniques. Empathy affects pro-social and antisocial behaviours both directly and indirectly through biopsychosocial (personality traits, emotion regulation skills) and biological factors. On the other hand, the strength of this relationship may differ depending on demographic factors -such as age, gender-. The use of different measurement techniques together in the studies and more experimental and longitudinal studies as a method can be listed as points that will strengthen future studies. In addition, the close relationship between empathy and these behaviours emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary studies involving different fields such as sociology, psychology and economics.

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