Professionalization of Empathy: Problem Statement

Abstract

The article problematizes the vision of empathy in the context of helping professions. Empathy is seen as the higher psychic function and as an ability. The working model of empathy as an ability, which is based on the methodological principles of the Russian tradition of the research and development of abilities is proposed (V.D. Shadrikov). The specificity of empathy in helping professional’s activities and existing methods of «professional empathy» development are analyzed. The empathy professionalization concept as a necessary interconnected development of motivational, operational and functional components of the empathic abilities with regard to the conditions and requirements of a particular profession is substantiated.

Keywords

• empathy
• empathy development
• the helping motivation
• abilities
• higher psychic function
• professional development
• professional abilities
• «helping» professions
• «socionomic» professions