Final answer:
Empathy is the ability to understand and share others' feelings, and it is a crucial part of emotional intelligence. It becomes more prominent during adolescence and is essential for social relationships and effective communication. Empathetic individuals are adept listeners, communicators, and are skilled in building rapport with others. The correct answer is option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This important attribute is a part of emotional intelligence and involves cognitive empathy, enabling individuals to take the perspective of others and show concern. Cognitive empathy increases during adolescence and is integral to social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. It's linked to having supportive relationships, such as those with parents who are open to discussion and provide a space to share worries. Developing empathy includes mastering reflective communication, intentional sociability, and being a good listener - all of which help build rapport and connections with others.
A person with high empathy actively participates in conversations, asks questions to understand better, and resists judging others while communicating. They exhibit a deep level of concentration and situational awareness, respecting the perspectives of others and sharing in emotional experiences.
Practicing empathy contributes to an individual's ability to communicate effectively across different social settings and industries. It's a foundational skill in forming strong interpersonal relationships and being able to adapt to others' needs, preferences, and emotional states. It's a skill valued not just in personal relationships, but also highly sought after in professional environments for its contribution to teamwork, leadership, and customer relations.