The Emerging Study of Positive Empathy

Lay intuitions suggest that the ability to share, celebrate, and enjoy others’ positive emotions – a phenomenon we term positive empathy – bolsters individual well-being and relationship strength. However, it is unclear from the current literature whether (i) positive empathy is distinct from highly related constructs and (ii) whether positive empathy is associated with salutary social and personal outcomes. Here, we begin by examining basic evidence suggesting that positive empathy is related to, but independent from, constructs such as general positivity and empathy for others’ distress. We then review evidence that positive empathy correlates with increased prosocial behavior, social closeness, and well-being. Lastly, we discuss open directions for the study of positive empathy, such as investigating the potential role of positive empathy (or its disruption) in psychiatric disorders. Scientists, philosophers, and religious leaders have long recognized and discussed the importance of sharing and understanding others’ positive emotions (a phenomenon we term positive empathy). In Buddhism, empathetic joy – finding joy in the happiness and success of others – comprises one of four central virtues (Wallace & Shapiro, 2006). Early mentions of positive empathy also appear in Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759/2010), in which Adam Smith described positive empathic processes that “interest [an observer] in the fortunes of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, although he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it”. More contemporary empirical and theoretical work surrounds positive empathy, often referring to it under different, but allied terms, such as vicarious conditioning (Aronfreed, 1968), empathic joy (Smith, Keating, & Stotland, 1989), responsiveness to others’ positive emotional disclosures (Gable, Gonzaga, & Strachman, 2006; Reis et al., 2010), and vicarious reward (Mobbs et al., 2009; Morelli, Sacchet, & Zaki, invited revision). Despite a long-standing interest in positive empathy, many characteristics of this phenomenon remain unclear. First, does positive empathy represent a unique construct, distinct from empathy for negative emotions (or negative empathy) and general positivity? Second, it is unclear whether positive empathy relates to beneficial interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes, such as enhanced social relationships and increased happiness. Here, we will address these outstanding questions by reviewing studies that examine positive empathy, drawing on behavioral measures, neuroimaging data, individual difference surveys, and experience sampling data. We will conclude by suggesting new avenues for research in positive empathy, such as investigating the role of positive empathy in psychiatric disorders. Because positive empathy is a new research topic, the current literature only provides an initial glimpse into the nature, antecedents, and consequences of positive empathy. As such, this review cannot provide a comprehensive understanding of positive empathy. Instead, we aim to (i) clarify what is currently known and unknown about positive empathy and (ii) chart a course for future work on this topic. Overall, we hope this review not only highlights the importance and promise of this topic, but also galvanizes researchers to address the remaining gaps in knowledge. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd