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Sympathy Facts & Worksheets

The ability to see, comprehend, and respond to the suffering or needs of another life form is known as sympathy.

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The ability to see, comprehend, and respond to the suffering or needs of another life form is known as sympathy. The eighteenth-century Scottish philosopher David Hume asserted that the motivation behind this empathetic concern is a shift away from a personal perspective and toward the perspective of another group or individual who is in need.

See the fact file below for more information on Sympathy, or you can download our 27-page Sympathy worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ETYMOLOGY

  • The word sympathy is borrowed from the Middle French ‘sympathie,’ from Late Latin ‘sympathīa’ (“feeling in common”), from Ancient Greek ‘sumpátheia’ (“fellow feeling”), and from ‘sumpathḗs’ (“affected by like feelings; exerting mutual influence, interacting”) +‎ -ῐᾰ (-ia, “-y,” nominal suffix). Equivalent to the prefix sym- (“acting or considered together”) +‎ -pathy (“feeling”). Displaced native Old English ‘efnþrōwung’ (literally “suffering with or together”).

THE BASIS OF SYMPATHY

Several factors are necessary for people to feel sympathy for someone else:

You have to be focused on the other person.

  • Being preoccupied reduces our capacity to empathize. When distracted, people may pay less attention to and react to various emotional topics and experiences. With giving complete attention, sympathy can often be experienced. Attention facilitates the sensation of tenderness.

The other party must exhibit some need.

  • The degree of sympathy will depend on how much we think someone needs something. For instance, someone with a scrape on their knee will receive less pity than someone with a shattered leg. 
  • Additionally, we are considerably more likely to feel sympathy for someone who seems to have done nothing to “earn” their bad luck. 
  • One will feel more pity for a child who falls while running toward a parent than for one who falls while engaging in unacceptable behavior.

Certain conditions will impact the level of sympathy.

  • Geographically closer individuals elicit our sympathies more than those on the other side of the world. This is spatial proximity.
  • Additionally, we have greater empathy for those that are similar to us. This is referred to as social proximity.
  • Furthermore, we are more likely to be sympathetic if we have personally encountered a challenging situation. However, continued exposure to the same or a comparable circumstance will lessen pity.
  • When we witness or hear about an earthquake, for instance, we might be moved to make a financial contribution to help those in need. 
  • However, if there is another earthquake a few days later somewhere else, we could feel less sympathetic, a condition known as compassion fatigue.

SHOWING SYMPATHY

  • Since expressing sympathy is inextricably related to adverse events, like losing a family member, it is frequently appropriate to do so.
  • Although it is a formality, the goal is to make the other person feel better by demonstrating your understanding of their difficult situation and the potential need for assistance.
  • Verbal or nonverbal expressions of sympathy are both acceptable.

  • A few years ago, Susan Silk, a psychologist, and Barry Goodman, a mediator, created a straightforward flowchart to assist individuals in responding correctly to loss, affliction, or issues in their own lives and the lives of others. It was known as Ring Theory.
  • The concept is essential. Think of a collection of concentric circles. The individual or individuals who are most directly impacted by the trauma are located in the center circle. The process after that contains their immediate relatives and closest friends.
  • They are surrounded by farther-off relatives and friends, acquaintances, and so on; as many circles as you require may be present.
  • Anyone can hear anything the person in the circle’s center says to them. Anytime, in any form, they can express themselves. But those above that can only vent OUTWARD. They must internalize sympathy and offer consolation.
  • It’s a simple rule: Comfort In, Dump Out.
  • If you follow that guideline, you’ll be able to show sympathy and express your worries to those who can support you in dealing with them in the best way possible.

SUPERFICIAL SYMPATHY

  • A hypocrite acting insincerely by shedding crocodile tears in the name of pity is an example of crocodile tears. 
  • The expression is used in many modern languages, especially in Europe, where Latin was used to introduce it. 
  • It comes from an ancient notion that crocodiles cry as they devour their prey.
  • Despite tear ducts, crocodiles weep to lubricate their eyes, usually after being out of the water for a while and as their eyes start to dry.
  • Evidence, however, indicates that feeding may be a trigger for this.
  • In honor of the myth, Bogorad’s illness, which causes its afflicted to cry when eating, is also known as “crocodile tears syndrome.”

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYMPATHY AND EMPATHY

  • The terms sympathy and empathy are frequently used interchangeably. However, only one of these enables connections that go beyond the superficial.
  • It might be easier for you to choose empathy over sympathy, depending on the differences between the two. While it helps to develop a stronger bond, there are occasions when a sympathetic reaction is more appropriate.
  • The feeling of pity for another is more like sympathy. While pity is our relief at not experiencing a person’s issues, empathy is our capacity to comprehend how they feel.
  • When we relate to someone with empathy, we allow them room to express and own their feelings. We consider how they feel and offer a secure environment for all emotions, including unfavorable ones. 
  • We enter a phase of problem-solving when we engage in sympathetic communication. We have opinions and judgments regarding the person’s feelings and appropriate actions. This not only downplays the person’s issues but also disregards their emotions.

SYMPATHY VS. EMPATHY EXAMPLES

  • Let’s compare sympathy and empathy in similar circumstances.
  • Consider first that a student in your class has just received a warning. As a result, individuals experience sadness, anxiety, and self-doubt.
  • You may tell them that you’re sorry they must go through this if you want to show them your sympathy. This wouldn’t stop you from having negative feelings about their circumstance.
  • You might be judging them for receiving a reprimand. Some individuals might say, “At least you’re still in our class!”
  • On the other hand, if you were an empath, you wouldn’t say that. When you have empathy, you experience the sadness, anxiety, and disappointment the other person is experiencing. 
  • They can feel less alone if you let them know so. You are not required to resolve their issue. You may substitute something like:
  • “I am so sorry. I’m pleased you informed me. I am available to you.”
  • You repress the temptation to make it disappear.
  • Instead of trying to come up with a suitable response, empathy focuses on establishing a connection with the other person.

Sympathy Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Sympathy across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Sympathy, the ability to see, comprehend, and respond to the suffering or needs of another life form known as sympathy.

Sympathy Worksheets
Sympathy Worksheets: About sympathy
Sympathy Worksheets: Sympathy toolkit
Sympathy worksheets: what would you do
Sympathy worksheets: Sympathy or empathy
Sympathy worksheets: Mindful Listening

Download includes the following worksheets.

  1. Sympathy Facts
  2. Sympathy
  3. About Sympathy
  4. Sympathy Toolkit
  5. What Would You Do?
  6. Sympathy or Empathy?
  7. Mindful Listening
  8. Expressing Sympathy
  9. Hammer Out Cruelty
  10. Journaling for Sympathy
  11. Kind Wishes Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sympathy?

Sympathy is the feeling of concern, compassion, or understanding for the suffering or troubles of others. It is the act of being able to relate to or understand someone else’s feelings or experiences, and is often accompanied by a desire to help or comfort them.

How is sympathy different from empathy?

Sympathy and empathy are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is the ability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes and to feel what they feel. Sympathy, on the other hand, is the feeling of concern or compassion for someone else’s situation, but it does not necessarily involve feeling the same emotions as the other person.

How does sympathy impact our relationships with others?

Sympathy can play a positive role in our relationships with others. When we are able to show sympathy to others, we are more likely to be able to form and maintain strong, supportive relationships. Sympathy can help to build trust, understanding and deeper connections with others. Additionally, it can also help to reduce conflicts and negative feelings.

How can we show sympathy to others?

There are many ways to show sympathy to others, such as:

  • Listening actively and attentively to what they have to say
  • Validating and acknowledging their feelings
  • Offering words of encouragement or support
  • Helping them to find solutions to their problems
  • Showing physical gestures of support, such as a hug or pat on the back

Why is sympathy important?

Sympathy is important for many reasons. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, to understand their perspectives and experiences, and to offer support and comfort when they are going through tough times. Additionally, it can also help to improve our own emotional well-being and promote positive relationships. Furthermore, sympathy can also inspire us to be more caring, compassionate and supportive in our interactions with others, which can have a positive impact on our communities and society as a whole.

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Link will appear as Sympathy Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 19, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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