What does empathy refer to in psychological terms?

Empathy, in psychological terms, is primarily about the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. This definition highlights that empathy involves both cognitive and emotional components—cognitive empathy refers to the understanding of another person's emotional state, while emotional empathy involves actually feeling what another person is feeling. This dual aspect enables individuals to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering compassion and support in social relationships.

The other choices do not encapsulate the full meaning of empathy. The ability to predict others' actions focuses more on intuition or insight rather than emotional connection. Influencing others' emotions leans towards manipulation, which is not aligned with the altruistic nature of empathy. Self-reflection, while a valuable skill in psychology, relates to personal insight and understanding rather than the interpersonal connection that empathy emphasizes. Therefore, empathy is best defined as the capacity to emotionally relate to and understand others' experiences.