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Empathy is key to good relationships. In its absence, behaviour becomes puzzling, even dangerous. David Howe´s fascinating new book examines what empathy is, why we have it and how it develops. He explores the important part empathy plays in child development and therapeutic work as well as its significance for how society organises itself.

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Empathy is profoundly important for understanding people´s feelings and behaviour. It is not only an essential skill in conducting successful personal and working relationships, it also helps us understand what makes people moral and societies decent.

With this compelling book, David Howe invites the reader on an illuminating journey of discovery into how empathy was first conceptualised and how its influence has steadily risen and spread. He captures the growing significance of empathy to many fields, from evolutionary psychology and brain science to moral philosophy and mental health. In doing so, he eloquently explains its importance to child development, intimate relationships, therapy, the creative arts, neurology and ethics.

Written with light touch, this is an authoritative and insightful guide to empathy, its importance, why we have it and how it develops. It offers an invaluable introduction for readers everywhere, including those studying or working in psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, social work, health, nursing and education.

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Acknowledgements.- Introducing Empathy.- Origins and Definitions.- The Evolution of the Empathic Mind.- How Children Develop Empathy.- The Empathic Brain.- Individual Differences in Empathy Levels.- When Empathy is Absent or Low.- Psychopathy and Borderline Personality Disorder.- Social Perspectives and Client Experiences.- Empathic Communication and Helping Relationships.- Why Empathy Works.- Empathy, Morals and Prosocial Behaviour.- Promoting Empathy in Children.- Promoting Empathy in Adults.- Living Well Together: Empathy and Social Cohesion.- Being Human

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DAVID HOWE OBE is currently an Emeritus Professor in the School of Social Work and Psychology at UEA. His research and writing interests span social work theory, adoption, emotional intelligence, attachment theory, and child abuse and neglect. To date, he has written 17 books, many of them regarded as best-sellers.

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