Abstract
Empathy is often portrayed simplistically in textbooks, emphasising cognitive understanding over emotional connection. This paper critiques the disconnect between textbook explanations of empathy and the complexity of practising empathy in real-world contexts. It reviews academic literature, identifying key themes in empathy definitions and gaps regarding language, emotions, and cultural factors. The paper explores real-life challenges of empathy such as navigating biases, stress contagion, and ethical dilemmas. It is argued that bridging the gap between theoretical and practical empathy requires acknowledging nuances, fostering self-reflection, considering contextual factors, and developing emotional resonance. Promoting more comprehensive empathy has implications for education, training programs, and interpersonal relationships.
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