Empathy gap

Empathy gap is a cognitive bias where individuals tend to underestimate the influence of emotional states on their own and others' decision-making and behavior. This bias highlights the difficulty humans face in predicting behaviors and preferences in different states of mind, most notably between emotional and rational states.

How it works

The empathy gap occurs when there's a disconnection between an individual's current state and another state, leading to a misunderstanding of the motivations and emotions driving actions. This gap is particularly pronounced when evaluating decisions made in a 'hot' emotional state while currently in a 'cold' rational state, or vice versa. Consequently, individuals find it challenging to anticipate how they might feel or act under different circumstances, often ignoring emotional and visceral factors.

Examples

• A person who is not hungry may fail to understand why they would overeat when actually hungry.
• During calm moments, individuals might underestimate their reactions in stressful situations, such as panicking during a fire.
• Someone could underestimate the likelihood of engaging in impulsive buying when stressed or upset, though they feel financially disciplined when relaxed.

Consequences

The empathy gap can lead to poor decision-making, a lack of preparation for future emotional states, misunderstanding and underestimating others' actions and motivations. Relationships, both personal and professional, can be strained due to misinterpretations of intentions and feelings.

Counteracting

Awareness of one's own potential biases can help mitigate empathy gaps. Practicing empathy, actively considering emotional contexts, and simulating different emotional states can improve understanding. Techniques such as mindfulness and scenario-based thinking can also aid in bridging this gap.

Critiques

Some critics argue that while empathy gaps exist, they are not solely responsible for poor decision making. Other biases and environmental factors also play significant roles, and individuals may over-rely on empathy gap theories for explanations of complex human behaviors.

Fields of Impact

Also known as

Relevant Research

• Out of control: Visceral influences on behavior

  Loewenstein, G. (1996)

  Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes

• Wouldn't it be nice? Predicting future feelings

  Loewenstein, G., & Schkade, D. (1999)