Empathy has been defined as sensing someone else’s pain or distress. In this article researchers from around the world review the effects of pain on others. Models of empathy are presented along with evidence from MRIs to support them.
For example MRI studies show there’s a link between the person suffering pain and the observer. Watching someone else in pain activates similar neurons. The observer may “feel the pain” too. This is called a mirror neuron/circuit system. The observer can be a family member, friend, health care provider, or even a stranger.
Some studies show mismatches between sufferer and observer. Sometimes the empathetic person overestimates the sufferer’s pain. Others underestimate the pain. Factors affecting how the observer feels and responds include his or her own pain in the past. It may depend on the relationship between the sufferer and observer. Empathy is higher when there is a cooperative relationship. Empathy is lower when the two people are more like competitors than friends.
The authors conclude that accurately understanding the patient’s pain or distress is important. This is the only way effective treatment is possible. If the pain is under estimated then the patient may not get the needed care. He or she becomes even more distressed. Empathizing too much may get in the way of helping.
More studies are needed to help us design the best treatment for pain. The big picture of the pain system must include how others are affected by observing pain and suffering.