empathyMisses
Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between an empathetic and an un-empathetic reaction. Even in the best attempt to give empathy, it can happen that we say or do something that turns out to be not as empathetic as it was intended to be. Psychologist and empathy researcher Brené Brown collected the seven most common empathy misses. Based on her definitions, this task provides example situations that raise awareness for reactions that are often considered as empathetic but are actually misinterpretations of empathy. Each empathy miss is explain with a short communication between to friends. Every communication comes with a second paper sheet that provides an empathetic alternative for the communication. The sentences and alternatives should be dealt out among the students. One after the other, the students read their sentences out loud. The students with the alternatives try to recognise the misses and read out their sentences accordingly. All misses should be given enough time to reflect upon. If needed, they should be repeated and discussed. The students can also try to find other example communications.
These questions can inform a discussion:
Why was empathy missed here?
How does it feel to receive an empathy miss? (Friend A)
How could an empathic response look like instead? (Friend B)
Do you remember a similar situation?
Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
In this video Brené Brown explains the difference between empathy and sympathy:
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