Phenomenology of Empathy and Empathic Behavior

Document Type : Research

Authors

Mahan Saedi ¹

Mahshid Pourhosein ²

Soghra Ebrahimi Ghavam ³

¹ MA Student in Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

² PhD in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

³ Professor in Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/social.2026.95946.1698

Abstract

Empathy, as one of the key abilities of social cognition, plays a significant role in the quality of interpersonal relationships and can enhance individuals' trust, satisfaction, and resilience in social interactions. The present study was designed to conduct a phenomenological exploration of individuals' perceptions of empathy and empathic behaviors in order to identify the key characteristics and components of these behaviors from the perspective of lived experiences. The research methodology was qualitative and phenomenological. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 residents of Sanandaj city in 2025. The purposive sampling was adopted until data saturation. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-stage analysis method. Two main themes emerged from the findings: "Empathic Support" and "Empathic Understanding". "Empathic Support" includes sub-themes of backing, affection, providing security, consultation, accountability, flexibility, and avoiding judgmental behaviors, indicating practical and genuine attention to the needs and circumstances of others. "Empathic Understanding" also encompasses sub-themes of reflective behaviors, valuing, understanding other people’ situations and conditions, seeing the other as oneself, recognition, and identical thought systems, demonstrating an individual's ability to understand and respond to the feelings and needs of others. The results suggest that individuals expect to be both understood and supported in interpersonal relationships. Understanding others is effective when an individual can see the other as themselves and view the world through their eyes. When one can understand the other, they can display their support through compassion and kindness. Empathic behaviors, with their distinct yet related characteristics, can serve as practical guidance for various professions such as physicians, psychologists, and nurses, paving the way for strengthening relationships, psychological security, and the quality of life. In this regard, by demonstrating the dimensions of empathy, the present study can provide such guidance so that interpersonal relationships are not bereft of this human characteristic.
 
 

Keywords

Empathy

Empathic Behavior

Phenomenology

Interpersonal Relationships

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