How Does Culture Affect Empathy - Assignment Example

1) What is empathy When one identifies with another individual's feelings, that person is showing empathy towards that person. It is the same basic concept of allowing you to put yourself in the emotional place of another human being (Hein, 2010). 2) How does culture affect empathy Different cultures show different styles of language, understanding, awareness, acknowledgement, sensitivity, compassion, and conscious. All of these factors affect how empathy is displayed from one individual from one culture to another individual from another culture (Hein, 2010). 3) Describe three approaches to empathy There are a number of different approaches to empathy.

Three that stick out above the others are awareness and acknowledgement; empathy and sensitivity; and empathy, understanding, and compassion (Hein, 2010). 4) What is self-disclosure According to Abacon (2010, pg. 1)," Self-disclosure is seen as a useful strategy for sharing information with others. By sharing information, we become more intimate with other people and our interpersonal relationship is strengthened." 5) How do we balance self-disclosure and privacy Self-disclosure can be balanced with privacy by refraining from sharing too much information with another individual or a group of people.

It is important to be open, but anyone can go overboard and share intimate details that don't need to be shared with other particular individuals. It is important to show self-restrain when exercising self-disclosure (Verdeber and Verdeber, 2008). 6) Why and how do we ask for feedback Feedback is a crucial part of the communication process. Without feedback, a person can be left hanging at the end of a conversation, not knowing if the person accepted or ignored his or her last statement or overall communication.

This can lead to assumptions, misunderstandings, unnecessary anger, frustration, and anxiety (Verdeber and Verdeber, 2008). 7) How do we own feelings and opinions We own feelings and opinions because they are uniquely ours. When someone truly feels a certain way, he or she shows ownership of his or her feelings and options (Verdeber and Verdeber, 2008). 8) What is interpersonal power According to Harvey (2002, pg. 1), "We drew on the theoretical literature in the social sciences that defines interpersonal power (i.e., relationship power) as the ability to influence another person in order to achieve desired ends.

More simply, interpersonal power refers to one person's power over another. In contrast to power to (i.e., personal power or empowerment), interpersonal power is an individual characteristic that concerns the relationship between two people." 9) What is assertiveness According to Saulters-Pedneault (2009, pg.1), "Assertiveness is a form of communication in which needs or wishes are stated clearly with respect for oneself and the other person in the interaction. Assertive communication is distinguished from passive communication (in which needs or wishes go unstated) and aggressive communication (in which needs or wishes are stated in a hostile or demanding manner)." 10) What are types of persuasive messages There are four different types of persuasive messages.

These include requests for adjustments, credits, donations, and favors. References Harvey, S. M.; L.J. Beckman; C.H. Browner; and C.A. Sherman. (2002). Relationship power, decision making, and sexual relationships. Journal of Sex Research. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2372/is_4_39/ai_96621267/ Hein, S.. (2010). Empathy. EQI. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://eqi.org/empathy.htm Saulters-Pedneault. (2009). Assessertiveness. About.com. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://bpd.about.com/od/glossary/g/assert.

htm Self-Disclosure. (2010). Abacon. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/interpersonal/indisclosure.html Verdeber and Verdeber. (2008). Inter-Act. Oxford University Press.