Elizabeth A. Segal

TEACHING EMPATHY: A FRAMEWORK ROOTED IN SOCIAL COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

We propose that a targeted and structured explication of empathy is a useful, if not essential, foundation for social work theory and practice. We outline a social work framework for empathy, one that is rooted in an interdisciplinary context, emphasizes recent findings in the field of social cognitive neuroscience, and yet is embedded in a social work context. The framework lends itself to identifiable education components that social work educators can implement across the curriculum. We can help students understand the basic process of neural path-way development that determines their affective empathic responses and develop and maintain cognitive empathic abilities. In addition, students can learn to use their knowledge, values, and skills, informed by empathy, to take empathic action consciously.

Social empathy: A model built on empathy, contextual understanding, and social responsibility that promotes social justice

ABSTRACT A model of social empathy is described where social empathy is defined as the ability to more deeply understand people by perceiving or experiencing their life situations and as a result gain insight into structural inequalities and disparities. The three components of the model—individual empathy, contextual understanding, and social responsibility—are explored and explained. Social empathy provides a framework for more effective social policies that address disparities and support social and economic justice for all people. Social workers are well positioned to enhance social empathy, and application and suggestions for further enhancement and research are provided.

The Empathy Assessment Index (EAI): A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a Multidimensional Model of Empathy

Both historically and currently, social work and related fields have expressed considerable interest in the construct of empathy. However, the ability to define and ultimately measure empathy is limited. This project validates a revised version of the Empathy Assessment Index (EAI), which is a measure rooted in a social cognitive neuroscience conceptualization of empathy. To evaluate the instrument’s psychometric properties, we administered the 50-item EAI with a five-component model of empathy to a sample of 773 undergraduate students and community members. We evaluate the EAI psychometrics conducting internal consistency, testretest, and confirmatory factor analyses. Findings indicate that a 17-item five-factor model of the EAI offers the best fit [CFI = .98; RMSEA = .04 (90% CI (.03; .05); WRMR = .80]. The data do not support using empathic attitudes as a proxy for actions; however, the findings suggest the EAI functions better when measuring a fourfactor model, offering an important implication for future research.

Social Empathy: A New Paradigm to Address Poverty

ABSTRACT Great disparity exists in the United States between those at the economic top of society and those at the economic bottom. While the difference between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is not a new phenomenon, the extent of the gap is now at previously unseen proportions. This paper examines the disparity, explores why and how it developed, and presents a new way to approach amelioration of the differences through the development of social empathy.

Conducting Qualitative Interviews With Women Survivors of Trauma

Because victimization and trauma are significant parts of womens lives, it is important for qualitative interviewers to explore and chronicle those events without raising the womens anxiety unnecessarily or revictimizing the women. This article discusses concerns related to interviewing women survivors of trauma and presents guidelines for interviewing them.

Social empathy: A tool to address the contradiction of working but still poor

What does it mean for a person to work hard and remain poor? We know that the opportunities and outcomes in life are diminished (Duncan & Brooks-Gunn, 1999). The psychological and physical tolls can be significant (Ambert, 1998). Health is a key area that is impacted by poverty. In a study of families working but still poor, important medical care was not acquired due to lack of health insurance and out-of-pocket funds. These deficits included leaving braces on a child for 2 years without any doctor visits; pulling teeth instead of getting root canals because the former was more affordable; no preventive visits to doctors or dentists; needed surgeries and medications delayed or ignored because of cost; and relying on emergency care so children are sicker when medical attention is finally received (Peck & Segal, 2006).

Critical Theory: Pathway From Dichotomous to Integrated Social Work Practice

Social work is rich in ideologies and traditions. One of our defining characteristics has been that we struggle with dichotomies. The focus of this article relates to our practice dichotomy: the struggle between service to the individual and change of the environment. This article uses critical theory as an ideological foundation to bridge the dichotomous approach between micro and macro social work practice. Applying critical theory to social work practice fits well with the professional values of enhancement of peoples well-being, promotion of social justice, and empowerment of oppressed populations, while blending micro and macro practice. The article concludes with guidelines for critical social work practice.

Social Empathy Attitudes: Do Latino Students Have More?

This article reports on the “social empathy attitudes” results that were part of a larger study on empathy in college students at a large research university in the Southwest. Two hundred ninety-four students completed the Social Empathy Assessment Index (SEAI). The research hypothesis was that students of color would have higher levels of social empathy attitudes than Caucasian students. The statistically significant SEAI items suggested that Latino students identify as more collectivist and more optimistic and have higher levels of social empathy attitudes. Latinos may be more willing to help a stranger than either Caucasians or members of other racial groups.

Political Promises for Welfare Reform

SUMMARY Public debate by policymakers prior to the passage of the PRWORA reflected a common set of attitudes and beliefs of those in power about public assistance and the poor. The power of their language to shape and inform policy is significant in our society. Those who hold power use language to mold and rationalize public policies. From a critical theory perspective, examination of the use of language by those in power to set norms, disempower, and marginalize those people who are nondominant is vital to effect social change. This research critically examines the speeches given on the floor of the House of Representatives prior to the final vote of PRWORA on July 31, 1996, to identify the power of language. Findings reveal that the content of the speeches reflects maintenance of the status quo and continued marginalization of the poor, particularly women.

Social and Economic Inequality and Asian Americans in the United States

ABSTRACT Describing social and economic inequality within the Asian American community is difficult. Depending on how “Asian American” is defined, there are twenty to thirty cultures, countries of origin, and a wide range of identities and circumstances that influence economic and social well-being. It is almost presumptuous to attempt to categorize such a diverse collection of identities as one group. At the same time, Asians and Pacific Islanders have been an increasing population group in the U.S. over the past thirty years. A common conception of them now is that of the “model minority”; i.e., as a minority group which has through hard work rather than political confrontation achieved the American Dream. Simple economic and educational comparisons suggest that Asian Americans have done quite well. Yet those comparisons are misleading. When controlling for educational status, Asian Americans have lower incomes than their White counterparts. Asian Americans, especially recent immigrants, also have higher poverty rates, whether for individuals, families, or children, than Whites. Overall, the impact of race continues to be significant for the well-being of this minority group, putting them at a disadvantage in American society.