Abstract
This article reviewed empirical research on empathy, with the view that it has four dimensions:empathic concern(EC), personal distress(PD), perspective taking(PT), and fantasy(FS). EC shows a positive correlation with emotionality, non-selfish concern for others, and prosocial behavior. PD shows a positive correlation with emotionality, but has a negative correlation with regulation. PT shows a positive correlation with regulation and interpersonal cognition, and prosocial behavior when a perspective-taking instruction is given, but has a negative correlation with aggression. FS shows a positive correlation with emotionality. EC, PT, and FS have positive correlations with each other. Underlying meaning was inferred for each dimension:altruistic disposition for EC;self-oriented affective response of unease to others' distress for PD;imagination and cognition of others' emotion for PT;and disposition of identifying with others for FS. Although research methods to study the origin and development of empathy have been proposed, few developmental studies have been conducted from the multidimensional perspective.
