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Abstract Widespread imprecision in use of the term "empathy" seems to indicate confusion concerning the concept. Three major meanings assigned the word are (1) putting oneself in the place of the other and viewing the world as he or she does; (2) being sensitive to and understanding nonverbal communication; and (3) indicating understanding of and concern for others. Undifferentiated use of the term in social work education contains dangers, particularly in view of the positive valence associated with being empathic. Students and practitioners may depend on empathy rather than on their powers of observation and deduction.
David Macarov (Fri,) studied this question.