Why do some people feel deeply empathetic while others seem to lack empathy entirely?

Question

I feel other people's emotions so intensely that it sometimes overwhelms me. But I have people in my life who seem genuinely unable to imagine how others feel. What causes such extreme differences in empathy between people? Is it nature or nurture?

sebastian_allen · Accepted Answer

Both genetics and early environment play roles. Mirror neuron systems vary between individuals. Secure attachment in childhood develops empathy while chronic early trauma can either heighten or suppress it. It is genuinely complex.

kai_rivera · Answer

High empathy is not always an advantage and low empathy is not always pathological. Both extremes can be problematic. The person overwhelmed by others feelings and the person who feels none both struggle in different ways.

Why do some people feel deeply empathetic while others seem to lack empathy entirely?

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Why do some people feel deeply empathetic while others seem to lack empathy entirely?

2 answers Most votes Newest Oldest

Write an Answer

2 answers
Most votes Newest Oldest