The article attempts to demonstrate the significance and value of empathy in the medical profession, and the consequences generated by its absence, or its very high level. In psychology, empathy is considered to be a multidimensional phenomenon, affecting the appropriate interpersonal relations. Understanding one’s emotions is vital in recognizing the emotions of others. Empathy is one of the emotions acquiring particular significance in the medical profession. Highly empathetic doctor is the dream of every patient.
Unfortunately, a too high level of empathy and the lack of emotional self-regulation skills can lead a physician to empathic depression, and even professional burnout. The article presents research results reflecting the level of empathic sensitivity for the scales of Empathic Concern, Personal Distress and Perspective Taking. The study used Empathic Susceptibility Scale SWE (Kaźmierczak, Plopa, Retowski, 2007), and the respondents were 80 doctors working in one of the hospitals in Gdynia in 2013.
