Empathy in undergraduate medical students: A multivariate cross-sectional study in China

Jiong Liu ¹, Hong Duo ², Yiwu Su ³

⁰Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Province Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Plos One +

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November 5, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Medical major choice and gender significantly impact medical students' empathy. Male students and those not initially choosing a medical major show lower empathy, requiring targeted educational strategies.

Area Of Science

Medical Education
Psychology
Social Sciences

Background

Empathy is crucial for effective patient care.
Understanding factors influencing medical students' empathy is vital for developing targeted educational interventions.
Previous research has explored various determinants of empathy in healthcare professionals.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the impact of multiple factors on medical students' empathy scores.
To identify specific student groups with lower empathy levels.
To propose ideological and political education strategies for enhancing empathy.

Main Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 320 undergraduate medical students.
Utilized a web-based questionnaire including the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Student Version (JSE-S).
Analyzed the influence of grade, gender, major choice, urbanization, clinical experience, and relationship status on empathy.

Main Results

Medical major selection and gender were significant predictors of empathy scores.
Major selection had a greater influence on empathy than gender.
Students initially not choosing a medical major and male students exhibited lower empathy levels.

Conclusions

Medical major choice and gender are key factors influencing empathy in medical students.
Targeted empathy education programs should be developed for male students and those not initially selecting a medical major.
Further large-scale or qualitative research is recommended to explore additional influencing factors and refine educational strategies.

Related Concept Videos

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.

Empathy is often confused with pity and sympathy, which are different reactions to the situation of someone else or...