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