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Related Concept Videos

Empathy

Empathy

Some researchers suggest that altruism operates on empathy. Empathy is the capacity to understand another person’s perspective, to feel what he or she feels. An empathetic person makes an emotional connection with others and feels compelled to help (Batson, 1991). Empathy can be expressed in several ways, including cognitive, affective, and motor.

The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.

Altruism

Altruism

Altruistic behaviors are “unselfish” behaviors—those that help another individual at the expense of the individual carrying out the behavior. Despite the negative consequences for the altruistic animal, these behaviors are thought to have evolved for several reasons.

Egoism and Altruism

Egoism and Altruism

Voluntary behavior with the intent to help other people is called prosocial behavior. Why do people help other people? Is personal benefit such as feeling good about oneself the only reason people help one another?

Obedience

Obedience

According to obedience research, we may harm others under the forceful pressures of an authority figure (Milgram, 1974). How about if the inappropriate orders were delivered with less force? The increasing interdependence between nurses and physicians compelled Hofling and his colleagues to explore nurses’ reactions to a potentially harmful medical request made by the perceived authority figure, the doctor (Hofling, Brotzman, Dalrymple, Graves, & Pierce, 1966). In this situation, obedience...

Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch

Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch

The history of therapeutic communication can be traced back to Florence Nightingale, who emphasized the importance of developing trusting relationships with patients. She taught that the presence of nurses with patients results in therapeutic healing.
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Observational Fear as a Model of Affective Empathy in Mice

Observational Fear as a Model of Affective Empathy in Mice

Published on: November 22, 2024

Can compassion be taught.

Martin Johnson¹

¹University of Salford School of Nursing, Manchester.

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)

|December 6, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Compassion is essential in nursing, yet its presence is debated. This analysis explores the concept of compassion in nursing and its teachability.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Observational Fear as a Model of Affective Empathy in Mice

Observational Fear as a Model of Affective Empathy in Mice

Published on: November 22, 2024

Area of Science:

Nursing
Healthcare Ethics
Professional Development

Background:

Compassion is a cornerstone of effective nursing care.
Concerns exist regarding a perceived decline in compassionate care within the nursing profession.
The definition and practical application of compassion in nursing require examination.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically examine the concept of compassion in nursing.
To investigate whether compassion can be effectively taught to nursing professionals.
To address the contemporary discourse on the diminishing presence of compassion in healthcare.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis of compassion in nursing literature.
Review of existing educational strategies for fostering empathy and compassion.
Exploration of theoretical frameworks related to moral development in healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

Compassion is a complex construct with multifaceted dimensions.
Evidence suggests that specific pedagogical approaches can enhance compassionate behaviors.
Barriers to compassionate care in practice settings were identified.

Conclusions:

Compassion in nursing is a learnable skill, not solely an innate trait.
Educational interventions can be designed to cultivate and sustain compassionate nursing practices.
Further research is needed to integrate compassion training effectively into nursing curricula.