Empathy, respect and dignity in social work

Social worker responses that are low on empathy generally lead to increases in client resistance. In contrast, high-empathy responses lead to reduced resistance. Of the many human virtues that ethicists celebrate, curiosity and an interest in other people come high on the list. It might be also argued that they are prerequisites for empathy, respect and dignity. To feel recognized and understood by the social worker is an important first step in helping the client relax, collaborate, make decisions, and bring about changes in their life. The principle of respect for persons has been a cornerstone in the ethical make-up of social work. There is an inevitable tension between respect for persons and our regulatory duties as social workers. Anxiety and discomfort increase our defensiveness and make us more likely to ‘objectify’ those who are making us feel anxious or uncomfortable.