Understanding the change process that leads to an increase in empathy and the subsequent influence on prosocial behaviour

Abstract

Section A
Empathy is widely considered as a fundamental motivator for prosocial behaviour and a key factor in moral reasoning, both in the field of philosophy and psychology. However, there is still uncertainty around the change process(es) which increase empathy and subsequent prosocial behaviour. A systematic literature search of the databases ASSIA, PsychINFO and Web of Science, and subsequent quality appraisal yielded eight published studies with relevance to the change process of empathy. A thematic synthesis of the papers identified four themes: "environments that foster empathy”; “development of empathy”; “prosocial outcomes” and “challenges in utilising empathy to drive behaviour”. Results indicated that the change process of empathy appears to be culturally, contextually and individually dependent, and supports that empathy is a malleable skill, with its development being fostered by immersive experiences but hindered by personal distress and systemic barriers. The clinical implications suggest that therapeutic interventions utilising creative arts or volunteering can cultivate lasting prosocial change and improve therapeutic outcomes. A thorough understanding of empathy's change process is vital, however, as inappropriate application of these strategies risks rupturing the therapeutic work. Future research should focus on ways of specifically exploring the change process of empathy in order to build the understanding of empathy beyond its definition.

Section B
This study explored the change process that leads to an increase in empathy and the subsequent impact on prosocial behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten adult participants who took part in the charity Empathy Action’s immersive workshop simulating the refugee experience: “Desperate Journeys”. Data were analysed using an abbreviated version of Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory.

Findings revealed that physical immersion, common humanity and embodying the perspective of a refugee by stepping into their shoes manifested intense emotions. These emotions invited cognitive reconciliation via emotional and ethical dilemmas inspired by moral conflicts during the workshop, leaving the individual with a desire to do more and a subsequent readiness to do more. Alternatively, attendees reconciled their perceived powerlessness in the face of insurmountable oppressive social systems, returning to the dilemmas to re-inspire a desire/readiness to do more. If the conclusions of their perceived powerlessness remain the same, the risk of emotional exhaustion increases, leading to withdrawal as a means of self-protection.

The findings highlight the therapeutic potential for immersive and experiential methods to cultivate empathy within clients in order to engage them meaningfully with their communities, improving their wellbeing via prosocial engagement. They underline the risks of emotional exhaustion, highlighting a need for systemic support and supervision structures to sustain empathy in practice for healthcare workers. Further research would benefit from interviewing a greater number of participants from a wider socio-economic and ethnic background, to explore the consistency and generalisability of findings.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English