Neglected empathy: A study of the mechanisms of social workers' empathic competence on work withdrawal

BackgroundEmpathy is a core professional competence in social work. Managing the emotional labor arising from empathy is vital to social workers' sustainable development and occupational health.ObjectiveBased on the research findings, we offer practical reflections and recommendations. Our goal is to relieve the emotional burden caused by empathy and support the long-term wellbeing of social workers.MethodsWe widely distributed the "Empathy Capacity Scale for Social Workers" and surveyed 526 practitioners across China. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we analyzed the relationships among empathy, emotional labor, burnout, and work withdrawal.ResultsResults show that empathy significantly and positively affects emotional labor, burnout, and work withdrawal. Emotional labor and burnout serve as a sequential mediator in the path from empathy to withdrawal. Perceived organizational support moderates the effects of empathy on both emotional labor and burnout.ConclusionsSocial workers operating in empathy-intensive and emotionally demanding environments often endure prolonged psychological and physical strain. This increases the likelihood of work withdrawal and undermines overall wellbeing. However, meaningful support from organizations and society can significantly improve this situation. Further research is needed to examine social workers across different cultures and service contexts, especially those in Western countries.