Strengthening Empathy Training Programs for Undergraduate Social Work Students

Abstract

Profound demographic changes as well as the introduction of religious freedom or convictions of conscience legislation in some states has made it more important than ever to equip undergraduate social work students with the knowledge and skills necessary to convey genuine empathy to clients and client groups who are stigmatized or oppressed and to use this empathic understanding to shape public policy. This article discusses the importance of enhancing current empathy training programs for undergraduate social work students by including content on implicit bias and several empirically supported strategies, including mindfulness practices, that are effective in reducing implicit bias and fostering empathy for members of stigmatized outgroups. This article concludes with an overview of instruments designed to identify, assess, and measure all aspects of interpersonal empathy and social empathy.