Which of the following best describes what it means to show empathy?

• A. Ignoring another person's emotions and focusing on your own needs
• B. Judging someone for how they feel
• C. Offering advice without considering the other person's perspective
• D. Understanding and sharing another person's feelings or experiences

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of empathy in psychology, which involves recognizing and vicariously experiencing another person's emotions or feelings.
2. Step 2: Review each option carefully to see if it aligns with the core idea of empathy, which is about emotional connection and understanding rather than judgment or self-focus.
3. Step 3: Eliminate options that involve ignoring emotions, judging feelings, or offering advice without perspective, as these do not reflect empathy.
4. Step 4: Identify the option that describes empathy as 'understanding and sharing another person's feelings or experiences,' which captures the essence of empathy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of empathy is the one emphasizing emotional understanding and shared experience, confirming the correct answer.