A counselor's response would rate low on a five-point empathy scale. Which number would indicate the lowest level of empathic responding?

A counselor's response would rate low on a five-point empathy scale. Which number would indicate the lowest level of empathic responding?

• A. 1
• B. 5
• C. 2
• D. 4

Answer: (A)

On a five-point empathy scale, higher numbers reflect greater empathic responding, while lower numbers show less. The lowest level of empathy is represented by the smallest point on the scale, because it signals minimal acknowledgment and reflection of the client’s feelings. A counselor scoring at this level might overlook emotions, interrupt, or jump to giving advice without attending to what the client is actually feeling. So the smallest value on the scale best captures the least empathic responding. The other options are higher points on the scale, indicating progressively more empathic engagement, such as recognizing feelings, reflecting them, and validating the client's experience.

On a five-point empathy scale, higher numbers reflect greater empathic responding, while lower numbers show less. The lowest level of empathy is represented by the smallest point on the scale, because it signals minimal acknowledgment and reflection of the client’s feelings. A counselor scoring at this level might overlook emotions, interrupt, or jump to giving advice without attending to what the client is actually feeling. So the smallest value on the scale best captures the least empathic responding. The other options are higher points on the scale, indicating progressively more empathic engagement, such as recognizing feelings, reflecting them, and validating the client's experience.