Empathy from a nursing perspective: Moving beyond borrowed theory

Empathy is a concept deeply rooted in and central to professional nursing. Although viewed as an important concept, little consensus exists in the professional literature about either the definition or the application of the concept to nursing practice. This article will compare two theories of empathy, one borrowed from Kohut's self-psychology model and one derived from King's Interacting Systems nursing framework. The two theories are examined to clarify issues pertaining to the concept of empathy and to identify the contributions and limitations of borrowed theory as the basis for nursing practice. The article explores similarities and difference in the two views of empathy and highlights the necessity of developing nursing science from theory based in nursing which reflects the very unique nature of nursing practice. Nursing as a profession is distinct and unique, and borrowed theory must be questioned for its fit and applicability to the profession. The article concludes that empathy is a nursing phenomenon needing to be studied from a nursing perspective. The results of continued use of borrowed theory pertaining to empathy is discussed including the delay and misdirection of ongoing activity to develop the concept of empathy.