Empathy

New research finds that people avoid connecting emotionally with others out of a fear that it will be too draining.

New research finds that acetaminophen makes us more indifferent to others' pleasure, as well as their pain.

New research finds it's an effective way to step into the shoes of someone less fortunate.

In a new study, males were more likely to endorse sexually aggressive behavior if they worried they were viewed as incompetent.

People love to romanticize empathy. But do they ever act on it?

The journalist and novelist discusses her new novel about a Syrian refugee—and the power and reach of the young adult genre.

Historian Nancy MacLean's off-the-cuff remarks earlier this month may have mischaracterized libertarianism, but they totally distorted autism.

Empathy could play a larger role in dividing us than previously thought.

A critical look at the research suggests its benefits are less than advertised.

New research finds reason and empathy are separate but compatible.

Prairie voles console their stressed-out friends, much like humans do.

We know literary fiction can make us more empathetic. Can it also be used to raise geopolitical awareness?

New research finds a specific scenario can increase empathetic feelings toward a maligned group.

New research finds contact with a coarse surface can put us in a more charitable frame of mind.

Why we cringe for our fellow humans, and why it's so important.

A rare condition causes Joel Salinas to experience other people's emotions and sensations. Is mirror-touch synesthesia a superpower or a curse?

An early look at a Pacific Standard story that's currently only available to subscribers.

New research finds the key to a successful fund-raising campaign is convincing them that their self-interest is aligned with your cause.

New research finds having a mobile device within easy reach divides your attention, even if you're not actively looking at it.

New research from the U.K. suggests people with narcissistic tendencies can be moved by others’ suffering.

A new study disputes the empathy theory.

Those who participated in a fire-walking ritual felt happier and less fatigued afterwards than close relatives who spectated.

Why, with all other things being equal, do people react more strongly to images of light-skinned individuals being harmed than they do to those involving dark-skinned individuals?

Empathy can distract. It misleads, causing us to act counter to the greater good.