Empathy for Suffering

Introduction

Here are a number of statements that may or may not apply to you. For each statement, select the response that best applies to you. Do not spend too long deliberating about your responses: if in doubt, choose the option that immediately seems most appropriate.

Disagree Strongly Disagree Moderately Disagree a Little Agree a Little Agree Moderately Agree Strongly
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Disagree Strongly
2 - Disagree Moderatley
3 - Disagree a Little
4 - Agree a Little
5 - Agree Moderately
6 - Agree Strongly
Statement 1 2 3 4 5 6
I struggle to put other people’s pain out of my mind
“Don’t let other people’s suffering get you down too much”
When I see someone in need, I feel I have to help them
I am able to disconnect when I see great suffering
It’s not my responsibility to help people when they are suffering
When I see someone else upset then I feel very upset
Sometimes I struggle to be empathetic
When I see someone else upset, I try not to let it affect me too much
I am good at disconnecting from painful emotions
Seeing other people in pain has a strong effect on me
I am very empathetic
I strongly connect with other people’s emotions