Final answer:
The statement that empathic listening involves understanding the meaning and feeling behind words spoken, as stated by Stephen Covey, is true. Empathic listening requires active engagement, non-judgmental understanding, and emotional connection without becoming overly sympathetic. option (a)
Step-by-step explanation:
According to author Stephen Covey, empathic listening is indeed described as listening not only to the words being spoken but also to the meaning and feeling behind those words. Therefore, the statement is true. Empathic listening involves a deep level of understanding that encompasses comprehending the emotions, ideas, and nonverbal cues that a speaker is conveying. To effectively demonstrate empathic listening, one must refrain from judgment, not interrupt, understand the complexity of the speaker's perspective, and display nonverbal gestures that signal active and considerate engagement with the speaker's narrative.
Being an effective listener demands paying attention to the underlying emotion behind the comments and reflecting on personal emotional responses. This agrees with the principles of Carl Rogers, who pointed out that genuineness, empathy, and unconditional regard are pivotal for dealing with clients' problems. Such a listening stance seeks to connect through empathy rather than offer sympathy, feeling the emotional base of what others are going through without becoming sympathetic to the point of sharing the same sentiment. Instead, empathic listeners maintain their own emotional balance while being fully present for the speaker.