empath

An empath is a person who is able to sense or understand the emotions of others. This ability can manifest in various ways, often described as feeling what another person is feeling. It is not a formally recognized psychological diagnosis but is a concept explored in spiritual, New Age, and some psychological contexts.

Some individuals who identify as empaths report experiencing a heightened sensitivity to the emotional states and even physical sensations of those around them. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed in crowded or emotionally charged environments. The experience is often described as absorbing the feelings of others, making it difficult to distinguish their own emotions from those they perceive.

While not a clinical term, the concept of empathy itself is a well-studied psychological phenomenon. Empathy refers to the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference. This includes the ability to place oneself in another's position. Empathic abilities can range from cognitive empathy, the understanding of another's perspective, to affective empathy, the sharing of another's emotions. The term "empath" often implies a more intense and intuitive form of this affective empathy.

There are various theories and beliefs surrounding empaths, including the idea that they may have specific personality traits or a predisposition to certain sensitivities. However, scientific research primarily focuses on empathy as a general human trait and its role in social interaction and psychological well-being, rather than the specific phenomenon of being an "empath."