Article

Korean behavior analysts’ perspectives on compassion, empathy, and therapeutic relationships: A survey study

Author

Lee, Han Jung, Hong, Ee Rea

Information

pp. 67~81 / 2026 Vol.13 No.1

Abstract

This study explored the factors influencing empathy among applied behavior analysis(ABA) supervisees and examined how educational experience and perception of the therapeutic relationship affect level of empathy. Most participants had little education on empathy or therapeutic relationships (M = 1.78) but showed high awareness of their importance (M = 3.82). Perception had a significant positive correlation with empathy, whereas educational experience did not. These results suggest the need for practical education that integrates theory and practice to help practitioners internalize the importance of empathy and therapeutic relationships. This study provides foundational data for developing culturally adapted empathy education and training systems for ABA professionals in Korea.

Keywords