Which of the following best describes "empathy"?

The concept of empathy is fundamentally centered on understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. It involves not just recognizing the emotions of others, but also responding to them in a compassionate and sensitive manner. This ability allows individuals to connect with others on a deeper emotional level, fostering effective communication and supportive relationships.

In contrast to the other choices, the correct description encapsulates the active engagement with another’s emotional state, which is critical in rehabilitation settings where clients may be experiencing significant physical or emotional challenges. The other choices fall short in several ways:

Evaluating oneself pertains more to self-reflection rather than understanding another's feelings, which is the core of empathy. Expressing sympathy relates more to feeling pity or sorrow for someone else's difficulties rather than genuinely comprehending and resonating with their emotional experience. Lastly, detachment is the opposite of empathy; it indicates a disconnection from others' emotions rather than an active effort to empathize and respond effectively. Thus, the correct choice highlights the essential qualities of empathy in a way that aligns with its true meaning in interpersonal interactions.