Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It allows us to form deeper bonds with others and support one another through difficult times. In 2016, researchers from the University of Michigan wanted to figure out if certain countries tended to have more empathetic citizens than others. They completed an extensive study to determine which are the most empathetic countries. (1)
The Most Empathetic Countries: A Study
To determine which are the most empathetic countries and which are the least, the researchers created an online survey. They then analyzed the data from over 104,000 participants from 63 countries around the world. (1)
The survey quantified things like people’s compassion for others and how likely they were to look at things from other people’s perspectives. Any countries with too-small sample sizes were not included. (1)
The goal was to explore cultural variability in empathy and how much influence cultural norms and standards had on how empathetic each country’s people are. (1)
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The Result: The Most Empathetic Countries and the Least
The study found that the most empathetic countries also had higher levels of (1):
- Collectivism
- Agreeableness
- Conscientiousness
- Self-esteem
- Emotionality
- Subjective well-being
- Prosocial behavior
In 2016, the study found the top 10 most empathetic countries were, in order (2):
- Ecuador
- Saudi Arabia
- Peru
- Denmark
- United Arab Emirates
- Korea
- United States
- Taiwan
- Costa Rica
- Kuwait
The least empathetic were (3):
- Lithuania
- Venezuela
- Estonia
- Poland
- Bulgaria
Seven out of the bottom 10 countries all can be found in Eastern Europe. (3)
Some of the data is somewhat surprising. After all, some of the countries that made the top 10 are known for their long history of warring and being aggressive towards neighboring nations. However, the researchers point out that the study did not distinguish between how empathetic people were to their fellow citizens versus people from other countries. (2)
Is The US Still in The Top 10?
The study is over 4 years old at this point and has not yet been repeated, so it is hard to say whether or not the United States is still in lucky number seven position or if it has risen or fallen in the ranks.
The lead author of the study William Chopik made sure to note at the time of the study nearly five years ago that empathy is fluid and that this study only showed a snapshot in time. (2)
“This is particularly true of the United States, which has experienced really large changes in things like parenting practices and values,” he explained. “People may portray the United States as this empathetic and generous giant, but that might be changing.” (2)
Much has changed in the United States since 2016. Social Media has expanded, and online bullying has increased. The country saw the term of one of the most controversial presidents of our time. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is still lagging far behind others in containing the virus. The Black Lives Matter movement has proven how divided the country remains in many non-negotiable human rights matters.
Perhaps coming in seventh in a study done five years ago isn’t something the United States should be celebrating. Regardless of where any country falls on the world rankings of empathy, we can probably all be a bit more kind and understanding towards those around us.
Keep Reading: The US has ‘Lost Its Place’ as a Human Rights Leader, According to Jimmy Carter. What Can Be Done?
Sources
- “Differences in Empathic Concern and Perspective Taking Across 63 Countries.” Journals. William Chopik, et al. October 14, 2016.
- “Ecuador was the most empathetic country, followed in order by Saudi Arabia, Peru, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Korea, the United States, Taiwan, Costa Rica and Kuwait.” Research.
- “Cross-Cultural Study Shows How Empathy In The U.S. Compares To The Rest Of World.” Fatherly. Lauren Vinopal. January 19 2017.