Narrative approach to perceptions and experiences of Filipino adolescents on empathy

Date

8-2022

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Abstract

Empathy research has always been Western-oriented, similar to studies about other psychology constructs that disregard sociocultural influences. There is also limited literature that discusses how empathy is perceived and understood by adolescents, when adolescence is a critical part of human development that suggests a strong link to empathy. It must be recognized that empathy is socially constructed and is thus dependent on human relationships and interactions. This study then sought to address such issues by exploring Filipino empathy. It aimed to determine the perceptions and experiences of Filipino adolescents on empathy through conducting three focus group discussions with UP Rural High School students. Results of the study revealed that the Filipino adolescents’ notion of empathy is in congruence with the ability to infer the thoughts and feelings of others to generate appropriate responses. In addition, empathy for Filipinos may be considered equivalent to the Filipino words pakikiramdam and pakikiramay. Both of which emphasize that empathy is more concrete and is mostly driven by the urge to alleviate the kapwa from his suffering. Further research is highly recommended to solidify such evidence.

LC Subject

empathy, adolescent perceptions, empathy experiences, Filipino adolescents

Document Type

Thesis

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