Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2022.547

EMPATHY IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Stanislava Stoyanova orcid.org/0000-0002-8873-9285 ; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
Tsvetelina Mihaylova ; Department of Medical Pedagogy, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
Tsvetomir Dimitrov ; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital “St John the Baptist”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Anton Koychev ; Surgery Clinic, University Hospital “Alexandrovska”, Sofia, Bulgaria

Abstract

Background: Empathy is important for successful interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the
cognitive component (Perspective taking) and affective components (Empathic concern and Personal distress) of empathy in health
professionals were related to the degree of perceived threat of coronavirus, difficulties in doing work, difficulties in getting along
with people, the health condition (current or past coronavirus disease), as well as with some socio-demographic characteristics.
Fantasy as the cognitive component of empathy was not the focus of the present study as more irrelevant to clinical practice.
Subjects and methods: A study of 296 health care workers through the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and a survey on perceived
coronavirus threat, difficulties in work and getting along with people found that perceiving coronavirus as a stronger threat reduced
both the cognitive component of empathy Perspective taking and the affective component of empathy Personal distress.
Results: As the affective components of empathy Empathic concern and Personal distress increased, the reported work difficulties
were reduced. As the cognitive component of empathy Perspective taking and the affective component of empathy Personal
distress increased, the reported difficulties in having a good relationship with other people were reduced. Some socio-demographic
differences in the components of empathy in health workers were also established.
Conclusion: These findings revealed the importance of Personal Distress (experienced anxiety, worry, discomfort, and
apprehension when observing another person's negative experiences), as well as the joint manifestation of several aspects of
empathy for successful work and maintaining good relationships in health care. Emotionality is a normal part of human interactions,
so manifestations of cognitive empathy should not be only considered as appropriate, and emotional empathy should not be ruled out
as unnecessary in clinical practice during the coronavirus pandemic.

Keywords

effective empathy; cognitive empathy; perspective taking; empathic concern; personal distress

Hrčak ID:

290434

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/290434

Publication date:

3.11.2022.

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