Empathy at Work in a Social Service Agency: Individual Experiences and Systems Theory
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Authors
Blann, Marjorie H.
Issue Date
2019-08-01
Type
thesis_open
Language
Keywords
Child Psychology
Early Childhood Education
Alternative Title
Child Development Theses
Abstract
This thesis explores empathy within interpersonal relationships at a social service organization. I conducted a research study to explore theoretical concepts and individuals’ experiences of these concepts in their work setting at a social service agency in New York City. I conducted observations and interviews through a lens of ecological systems theory and the relationalcultural approach. In this paper I review guiding concepts of empathy, attunement, and compassion fatigue, as well as the Sanctuary model. I share first-person accounts from interviews conducted during the research study to explicate individuals’ experiences related to the above concepts in their own words. I then provide concluding notes and ideas for change based on the data and my experience as a researcher.