Introduction:
Whenever I feel I've achieved profound empathy, emotional contagion is invariably at play. It might have been the starting point, but its significance becomes apparent later on.
My Definitions & Interpretations
What is Emotional Contagion?
Emotional contagion" refers to the phenomenon where the emotions of one person automatically, and often unconsciously, transfer to another person. This acts as a form of non-verbal communication among people and has an impact that goes beyond the mere sharing or imitation of emotions.
- Arises automatically.
- Is passive, getting subtly swept up in others' emotions.
- Doesn't necessitate deep understanding.
- Primarily involves mimicry, unconsciously copying emotions and behaviors.
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What is Empathy?
In my experience with empathy, it's about maintaining the boundary between myself and others, recognizing and accepting others' feelings and thoughts, and having the self-awareness and insight that minimizes my own projections and cognitive distortions. Within this personal understanding of empathy, I've also observed the workings of emotional contagion, seamlessly integrating itself into the fabric of my empathetic responses and interactions.
- Requires conscious effort.
- Is active, aiming to genuinely grasp others' feelings.
- Needs a deep appreciation of another's perspective.
- Focuses on sharing, establishing a conscious bond and understanding with others' emotions.
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relativity
For me, emotional contagion is part of empathy. I believe that empathy can be described as the mutual exchange of emotional contagion. There are also sensations similar to transference, countertransference, projection, and projective identification.
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I believe that this feedback loop, when executed in a state where the boundaries between self and others become indistinguishable, can lead to co-dependency, especially when it manifests in socially irregular, self-destructive, or catastrophic ways. I don't see the inability to recognize boundaries as an issue in itself. In intimate relationships, I believe it can be crucial.
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