Transcript
Empathy, Engagement and the Brain Billy O’Connor
Professor of Physiology
Medical School, University of Limerick. Ireland.
Inside-the-brain.com/
Google images of mother cradling child: what do you see?
The empathy bell curve
Cognitive perspective taking and empathy in the brain
A mental representation of other people socially.
Hein and Singer. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 2008, 18/2 153-158.
MPC, medial prefrontal cortex; ACC, anterior cingulate cortex;
AI, anterior insula; STS, superior temporal sulcus;
SII, secondary somatosensory cortex;
TPF, temporo-parietal junction;
TP, temporal poles;
Empathy in response to pain and disgust.
http://Inside-the-brain.com/
NEURODIVERSITY IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS
http://Inside-the-brain.com/
Autism is not a disease
“Everything is held
together with
stories. That is all
that is holding us
together, stories and
compassion.”
Barry Lopez
The story is important in generating empathy
Even a simple narrative can elicit a powerful empathic response.
Stories transport us into other people’s worlds and
change our brain
I'm a doctor, but also a terminally ill cancer patient.
During a hospital stay last summer I made the stark
observation that many staff looking after me did not
introduce themselves before delivering care.
This felt very wrong so encouraged and supported by
my husband we decided to start a campaign to
encourage and remind healthcare staff about the
importance of introductions in the delivery of care. I
firmly believe it is not just about knowing someone's
name, but it runs much deeper. It is about making a
human connection, beginning a therapeutic
relationship and building trust.
In my mind it is the first rung on the ladder
to providing compassionate care.
Temperament is not destiny.
We need to bring intelligence to emotions.
‘Anyone can become angry. That is easy.
But to be angry with the right person to the
right degree at the right time for the right
purpose and in the right way.
That is not easy.’
Aristotle
Control of impulse and developing
compassion are the basis of will and
character.
An optimistic outlook is a key predictor of
performance.
Emotional intelligence
Read widely
1. Mindset 2. Skills 3. Education
Read widely
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