The Science Of Empathy And Empaths: 5 Interesting Facts

 / 

, ,
The Science Of Empathy And Empaths

If you are an empath, then you must know the science of empathy and empaths. Below are some scientific explanations of empathy.

As a psychiatrist and an empath, I am fascinated by how the phenomenon of empathy works. I feel passionately – that empathy is the medicine the world needs right now.

Empathy is when we reach our hearts out to others and put ourselves in their shoes. However, being an empath goes even farther. Like many of my patients and myself, empaths are people whoโ€™re high on the empathic spectrum and actually feel what is happening in others in their own bodies.

As a result, empaths can have incredible compassion for people–but they often get exhausted from feeling โ€œtoo muchโ€ unless they develop strategies to safeguard their sensitivities and develop healthy boundaries.

The Science Of Empathy And Empaths
Scientific Explanations of Empathy: 5 Empath Facts

Related: What is Your Level of Empathy?

In my book, โ€œThe Empathโ€™s Survival Guideโ€ I discuss the following intriguing scientific explanations of empathy and empaths. These will help us more deeply understand the power of empathy so we can utilize and honor it in our lives.

The Neuroscience Of Empathy And Empaths: 5 Interesting Empathy Facts

1. The Mirror Neuron System 

Researchers have discovered a specialized group of brain cells that are responsible for compassion. These cells enable everyone to mirror emotions, to share another personโ€™s pain, fear, or joy.

Because empaths are thought to have hyper-responsive mirror neurons, we deeply resonate with other peopleโ€™s feelings. How does this occur? Mirror neurons are triggered by outside events.

Related: 5 Ways How Music Increases Empathy In Listeners

For example, our spouse gets hurt, we feel hurt too. Our child is crying; we feel sad too. Our friend is happy; we feel happy too. In contrast, psychopaths, sociopaths, and narcissists are thought to have what science calls โ€œempathy deficient disorders.โ€

This means they lack the ability to feel empathy like other people do, which may be caused by an under-active mirror neuron system. We must beware of these people because they are incapable of unconditional love. 

2. Electromagnetic Fields 

The second finding is based on the fact that both the brain and the heart generate electromagnetic fields. According to the HeartMath Institute, these fields transmit information about peopleโ€™s thoughts and emotions. Empaths may be particularly sensitive to this input and tend to become overwhelmed by it.

Similarly, we often have stronger physical and emotional responses to changes in the electromagnetic fields of the earth and sun. Empaths know well that what happens to the earth and sun affects our state of mind and energy. Similarly, we often have stronger physical and emotional responses to changes in the electromagnetic fields of the earth and sun. Empaths know well that what happens to the earth and sun affects our state of mind and energy. 

Related: How to Supercharge Your Dopamine Levels Naturally and Never Feel Depressed Again

3. Emotional Contagion 

The third finding which enhances our understanding of empaths is the phenomena of emotional contagion. Research has shown that many people pick up the emotions of those around them.

For instance, one crying infant will set off a wave of crying in a hospital ward. Or one person loudly expressing anxiety in the workplace can spread it to other workers. People commonly catch other peopleโ€™s feelings in groups.

A recent New York Times article stated that this ability to synchronize moods with others is crucial for good relationships. What is the lesson for empaths? To choose positive people in our lives so weโ€™re not brought down by negativity. Or, if, say a friend is going through a hard time, take special precautions to ground and center yourself. These are important strategies youโ€™ll learn in this book.

4. Increased Dopamine Sensitivity 

The fourth finding involves dopamine, a neurotransmitter that increases the activity of neurons and is associated with the pleasure response. Research has shown that introverted empaths tend to have a higher sensitivity to dopamine than extroverts. Basically, they need less dopamine to feel happy.

That could explain why they are more content with alone time, reading, and meditation and need less external stimulation from parties and other large social gatherings. In contrast, extroverts crave the dopamine rush from lively events. In fact, they canโ€™t get enough of it. 

Related: Empathy Can Transform the World

5. Synesthesia 

The fifth finding, which I find particularly compelling, is the extraordinary state called โ€œmirror-touch synesthesia.โ€

Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which two different senses are paired in the brain. For instance, you see colors when you hear a piece of music or you taste words.

Famous synesthetics include Isaac Newton, Billy Joel, and violinist Itzhak Perlman. However, with mirror-touch synesthesia, people can actually feel the emotions and sensations of others in their own bodies as if these were their own. This is a wonderful neurological explanation of an empathโ€™s experience.  

The Dalai Lama says, โ€œEmpathy is the most precious human quality.โ€ย  During these stressful times, itโ€™s easy to get overwhelmed. Even so, empathy is the quality that will get us through.

It will enable us to respect one another, even if we disagree. Empathy doesnโ€™t make you a sentimental softy without discernment. It allows you to keep your heart open to foster tolerance and understanding. It might not always be effective in getting through to people and creating peace but I think itโ€™s the best chance we have.  

(Adapted from The Empathโ€™s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People by Judith Orloff, MD, which is a guidebook for empaths and all caring people who want to keep their hearts open in an often-insensitive world.)

Related: Empathy Is A Choice And Weโ€™re Choosing To Avoid It, Says Science

As an empath you must have had many questions about why you are the way you are. Hopefully the science behind empathy answered some of your questions. Leave your thoughts in comments.


Written by: Dr. Judith Orloff, MD
The Science Of Empathy And Empaths: 5 Interesting Facts
Understanding The Power Of Empathy: The Science Behind Empathy
Science Behind Empathy And Empaths Pin
Scientific Explanations of Empathy: 5 Empath Facts
The Science Of Empathy And Empaths pinex
The Science Of Empathy And Empaths pin

— Share —

— About the Author —

Responses

  1. Abby Avatar
    Abby

    I’m sorry but this article doesn’t teach me anything nor helps me honour anything about myself or what my life has been like in the past 10 years. To sum it up its been hell albeit with some moments of peace and clarity in between. However the hell hasn’t ended.
    Science cannot neither is it needed to explain what being an empath, deeply intuitive or highly sensitive person is. For a long time lve felt so displaced in the world like l belong nowhere and lts been hard to find other people who help me understand this uniqueness. I’ve only ever really met them online. People seem to have a strong reaction to anyone who says they are empath or highly sensitive or their energies. I’d be more interested to understand why someone who is highly sensitive makes people who aren’t uncomfortable but l don’t think science can or will be able to explain this.

Older Comments
1 8 9 10

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Up Next

Are You A Hypersensitive Person? Hereโ€™s How To Embrace Your Sensitivity

What Is A Hypersensitive Person? Signs, Challenges and How To Cope

Have you ever been called โ€œoverly sensitiveโ€? Do you become emotional easily? Can you feel othersโ€™ emotions instinctively? Then you just might be a hypersensitive person. But how can you be sure if you are one? And what can you do to make life easier for you? Letโ€™s find out.

What is a hypersensitive person?

Hypersensitive person meaning: A hyper-sensitive person is someone who is highly sensitive to emotional, physical, or environmental stimuli. 

They feel things intensely and may be more easily overwhelmed by sensory input, criticism, or changes in their environment. This heightened sensitivity can make them more r



Up Next

The Complex Mind Of An Empathic Narcissist: Understanding The Paradoxical Personality

The Empathic Narcissist: How To Identify And Deal With Them

Can narcissists feel empathy? Are there any narcissists with empathy? Does an empathic narcissist exist? Yes, some narcissists can have empathy as narcissism is more complicated than just mere black and white.

Can narcissists be empathic?

While most of us tend to believe that narcissists lack empathy, and rightly so, many narcissists can be empathetic and sense the thoughts and feelings of others. But arenโ€™t narcissists supposed to be bad people? Well, that depends on how we define a โ€œnarcissistโ€.

In this era, narcissists have been given a bad reputation and seen as the villain of the story, but we need to realize that narcissism lies on a spectrum and most of us have some narcissistic



Up Next

Are Empaths Narcissists? 11 Signs Of A Narcissistic Empath

Are Empaths Narcissists Signs Of A Narcissistic Empath

Empaths and narcissists are two terms that are often used together, and it’s not uncommon for people to wonder whether empaths are narcissists. While these two personality types share some similarities, they are fundamentally different. Let’s dive deeper into the question of “are empaths narcissists?”.

In order to know and understand more about empaths, narcissists, and even narcissistic empaths, it is essential to first understand who and what they are. Understanding the differences between empaths and narcissists can help avoid confusion and misinformation.



Up Next

When Empathy Becomes A Burden: 10 Signs Of A Damaged Empath

A Damaged Empath Signs Of When Empathy Becomes A Burden

Empaths are individuals who possess an exceptional ability to perceive and feel the emotions and energies of people around them. They have a unique gift to experience the emotions of others as if they were their own. However, this extraordinary gift can also be a burden, as it can take a toll on an empath’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being, leading to a damaged empath.

Empaths are known to be vulnerable to emotional overload and exhaustion, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even physical illness. Therefore, it’s essential for empaths to understand the signs of damage that they might experience and learn how to manage them.

But before we get into the signs of a damaged empath, let’s talk about what a d



Up Next

The Psychic Side of Empathy: How to Identify a Psychometric Empath

What Is A Psychometric Empath Clear Signs You Might Be One

Discover the world of psychometric empaths and explore what it takes to possess this rare and unique gift. Unveiling the mysteries behind this fascinating ability will allow you harness and enhance your life.

It’s like having a sixth sense that lets you read the hidden history of the things around you. This fascinating ability allows empaths to pick up on the energy imprints left on objects, which can include emotions, memories, and experiences.

Most empaths can feel the emotions of others but psychometric empaths, in particular, can sense the energy of not just people, but objects and places.

They can pick up on t



Up Next

Why Are Animals Attracted To Me? Hereโ€™s Why You Are An Animal Magnet

Why are animals attracted to me

Are animals drawn towards you? Do stray animals or animals you have never met before approach and like you? Have you ever wondered โ€œwhy are animals attracted to me?โ€

Why are animals more attracted to some people than others

Animals often gravitate towards some individuals like magnets. As if they are a Disney princess (or prince). But have you ever wondered why? Why do some people instantly become friends with animals, even those who aren’t necessarily animal lovers? 



Up Next

10 Signs You Are An Empath

Signs Youre An Empath

Have you ever wondered โ€œAm I an empath?โ€ Identifying the signs you are an empath will help you better understand and connect with yourself and others, set up strong personal boundaries, and build healthier relationships.

Being an empath, once you know about these empath signs, you will be better able to hone your empath traits to help yourself and your loved ones.

Do you experience sensory overload when around large crowds? Do you absorb othersโ€™ emotions and find it hard to tune out? 

You, my friend, could be an empath. 

What is an empath?

Empathy is an important trait that helps us to understand how someone feels so that we can respond with compa

AI Chatbot Avatar
โš ๏ธ Liza is in training with WMHA and may not always provide the most accurate information.