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Cognitive Empathy

Meaning

Cognitive Empathy, often referred to as “Theory of Mind” or perspective-taking, is the neurological capacity to intellectually understand another person’s mental state, including their thoughts, intentions, desires, and beliefs. This ability allows an individual to logically interpret social cues and predict behavior without necessarily experiencing the corresponding emotional state themselves. It is a critical component of social intelligence and effective interpersonal communication, distinguishing it from affective empathy, which involves feeling the emotion of another. In a clinical setting, deficits in this function can profoundly impact a patient’s relational well-being and social navigation.