Final answer:
Mary exhibits empathy by actively engaging in understanding her friend's emotional state and expressing care. This goes beyond active listening and involves a deep connection with her friend's feelings and perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary demonstrates empathy by listening to her friend's problems and expressing care and sympathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Active listening is a part of empathetic behavior, but it focuses more on the process of hearing and understanding someone's message. Problem-solving refers to the act of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues, whereas social support is about providing assistance and comfort to others. In the scenario described, Mary is going beyond simply hearing her friend; she is connecting on an emotional level, which is a direct demonstration of empathy.
Through her actions—such as not judging, not interrupting, and potentially touching the speaker's arm—Mary is showing that she appreciates the emotional states and the intricacy of her friend's perspective, hence emotional awareness and support are at play. Carl Rogers, a psychologist, emphasized the importance of empathy in client-centered therapy, asserting that it is crucial for individuals to address their personal issues. This relational approach places the friend's concerns at the forefront, aligning with Rogers's viewpoints on the therapeutic relationship.