So, this was a new one to me Empathy Deficit Disorder or EDD. According to one psychologist, the condition is rampant among Americans.
Douglas LaBier, Ph.D., director and founder of the Center for Adult Development in Washington, D.C., says "we unlearn whatever empathy skills we've picked up while coming of age in a culture that focuses on acquisition and status more than cooperation and values "moving on" over thoughtful reflection. LaBier is convinced that EDD is at the heart of modernity's most common problems, macro (war) and micro (divorce)." (Source: CNN
And apparently the first step to becoming empathetic is faking it. New York psychologist Frank M. Lachmann, Ph.D., author of "Transforming Narcissism: Reflections on Empathy, Humor, and Expectations," says "if you want to act more empathetic, you follow certain steps: Instead of telling people what they ought to do or becoming tyrannically optimistic, you offer sympathy, inquire about feelings, and validate those feelings. You'll be giving comfort to the other person, even if you yourself can't feel what they're going through."
Has anyone heard of EDD before? Do you know people who suffer from it? Do you experience it yourself? Have you ever thought about changing?
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I'm sure I know plenty of people who suffer from it but we just call it being selfish and thoughtless! I think calling it a disorder is giving an excuse for people who behave badly to say it's because they have a 'medical' condition!
But hey - I'll give kudos to anyone who tries to get away with being horrible due to their "EDD". I might even try it myself!
So I'm sure the professionals who coined this term mean well but I don't buy it. All it does is lend an 'reason' for contemptible behavior.
June 23, 2008 - 1:28pmThis Comment