Review of the conceptual, theoretical and methodological aspects of empathy

Empathy was object of study of diverse fields of knowledge as aesthetic, philosophy, sociology and psychology. In relation to the last one, empathy has been discussed and investigated mainly for researchers of clinical, social and developmental areas. The main objective of the present work is to present a review of the literature on empathy, focusing the theoretical, conceptual and methodological aspects proper to the field of studies of empathy. Questions related to the polysemy of the term empathy are used, and discussion concerning the dimensionality of this construct and some theoretical and methodological problems will be raised and discussed. Empirical studies and some research strategies used on the empathy field will be presented. Eventually, we will present some considerations regarding the necessity of resolution of the aforementioned problems, the need of more research on empathy in Brazil and the future perspectives of research.

Empathy; Concepts; Theory; Research