title: Empathic understanding : mythical or mystical an exploratory study into the nature of empathy and the relationship between empathy, perceived similarity and compatibility

authors: Yeoman, Lynette A.

subjects: Empathy

abstract: The objectives of this exploratory study into the nature of empathy were two-fold. First, to investigate the association between two measures of counsellor empathy, the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI), rated from the perspectives of counsellors and clients and the Truax/Carkhuff Accurate Empathy Scale (TCAE) rated from the perspectives of observers, counselling supervisors and counsellors. Secondly, to investigate whether there was a relationship between empathy and dyadic compatibility (as measured by the FIRO-F scales), or empathy and the occasions, nature and degree of counsellor and client perceived similarity to the other (as described in post-counselling interviews).

Sixty counsellor-client dyads (24 dyads across 1 - 3 sessions per dyad) were videotaped during counselling. Counsellors and clients were then interviewed independently, subsequent to each counselling session.

The results of the study were described in three sections. Part 1 reported that while the BLRI and the TCAE scale both exhibited a high degree of reliability, they appeared to be measures of different constructs. Results of a factor analysis suggested that not only must the two instruments be treated as independent measures of empathy, but that ratings made from differing counselling perspectives (counsellor, client, external judge) using the same instrument, must also be treated independently. 

Client ratings of perceived similarity to their counsellors, and client ratings of counsellor (BLRI) empathy were highly correlated although there was no correlation between counsellors' perceived similarity to clients, and counsellor, observer or supervisor ratings of empathy. 

There was no correlation between FIRO-F dyadic compatibility and either perceived similarity or empathy.

Part II involved an intensive case 3tudy comparison of specific dyadic rating patterns across measures of empathy, with patterns obtained from a content analysis of counsellor interview responses to questions on the occasions, nature and degree of similarity perceived between self and other. A complex matrix of findings was obtained which suggested that the link between empathy and counsellor perceived similarity to clients was not uniform and differed across both levels of empathy and perceived similarity. 

Part III presented an historical review of the nature of empathy, undertaken in order to clarify and interpret earlier reported findings. It was suggested that conceptualizations of empathy have altered markedly over time, largely as a result of researcher's and counselling trainer's need for observable, measurable and trainable processes within counselling. An eight phase model of the process by which empathic understanding may occur was presented, and the manner and extent to which the model could be deemed accountable for the findings of the present study was discussed.

It was suggested that the divergent state of research associated with empathy may be largely attributable to the emphasis placed on one or several phases of the process to the exclusion of other phases. Suggestions for further research were offered, and the question was raised as to whether either the BLRI or the TCAE scale were in fact tapping any of the phases of empathy described in the present study.

text: Empathic understanding : mythical or mystical an exploratory study into the nature of empathy and the relationship between empathy, perceived similarity and compatibility The objectives of this exploratory study into the nature of empathy were two-fold. First, to investigate the association between two measures of counsellor empathy, the Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI), rated from the perspectives of counsellors and clients and the Truax/Carkhuff Accurate Empathy Scale (TCAE) rated from the perspectives of observers, counselling supervisors and counsellors. Secondly, to investigate whether there was a relationship between empathy and dyadic compatibility (as measured by the FIRO-F scales), or empathy and the occasions, nature and degree of counsellor and client perceived similarity to the other (as described in post-counselling interviews).

Sixty counsellor-client dyads (24 dyads across 1 - 3 sessions per dyad) were videotaped during counselling. Counsellors and clients were then interviewed independently, subsequent to each counselling session.

The results of the study were described in three sections. Part 1 reported that while the BLRI and the TCAE scale both exhibited a high degree of reliability, they appeared to be measures of different constructs. Results of a factor analysis suggested that not only must the two instruments be treated as independent measures of empathy, but that ratings made from differing counselling perspectives (counsellor, client, external judge) using the same instrument, must also be treated independently. 

Client ratings of perceived similarity to their counsellors, and client ratings of counsellor (BLRI) empathy were highly correlated although there was no correlation between counsellors' perceived similarity to clients, and counsellor, observer or supervisor ratings of empathy. 

There was no correlation between FIRO-F dyadic compatibility and either perceived similarity or empathy.

Part II involved an intensive case 3tudy comparison of specific dyadic rating patterns across measures of empathy, with patterns obtained from a content analysis of counsellor interview responses to questions on the occasions, nature and degree of similarity perceived between self and other. A complex matrix of findings was obtained which suggested that the link between empathy and counsellor perceived similarity to clients was not uniform and differed across both levels of empathy and perceived similarity. 

Part III presented an historical review of the nature of empathy, undertaken in order to clarify and interpret earlier reported findings. It was suggested that conceptualizations of empathy have altered markedly over time, largely as a result of researcher's and counselling trainer's need for observable, measurable and trainable processes within counselling. An eight phase model of the process by which empathic understanding may occur was presented, and the manner and extent to which the model could be deemed accountable for the findings of the present study was discussed.

It was suggested that the divergent state of research associated with empathy may be largely attributable to the emphasis placed on one or several phases of the process to the exclusion of other phases. Suggestions for further research were offered, and the question was raised as to whether either the BLRI or the TCAE scale were in fact tapping any of the phases of empathy described in the present study.

year: 1984

title: Investigation of the potential of repurposing medium-density fiberboard waste as an adsorbent for heavy metal ion removal

authors: Ranaweera, Kavitha H

subjects: MDF waste

abstract: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) waste generation has increased steadily over the past decades, and therefore, the investigation of novel methods to recycle this waste is very important. The potential of repurposing MDF waste as an adsorbent for the treatment of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions in water was investigated using MDF offcuts. The highest adsorption potential in single-metal ion solution systems was observed for Pb(II) ions. The experimental data of Pb(II) ions fit well with the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Complexation and electrostatic interactions were identified as the adsorption mechanisms. The adsorption behavior of multi-metal ion adsorption systems was investigated by introducing Cd(II) ions as a competitive metal ion. The presence of the Cd(II) ions reduced the adsorption potential of Pb(II) ions, yet the preference for the Pb(II) ions remained. Regeneration studies were performed by using 0.1 M HCl as a regeneration agent for both systems. Even though a significant amount of adsorbed metal ions were recovered, the adsorption potential of the MDF was reduced in the subsequent adsorption cycles. Based on these results, MDF fines have the potential to be used as an economical adsorbent for remediation of wastewater containing heavy metal ions.

text: Investigation of the potential of repurposing medium-density fiberboard waste as an adsorbent for heavy metal ion removal Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) waste generation has increased steadily over the past decades, and therefore, the investigation of novel methods to recycle this waste is very important. The potential of repurposing MDF waste as an adsorbent for the treatment of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions in water was investigated using MDF offcuts. The highest adsorption potential in single-metal ion solution systems was observed for Pb(II) ions. The experimental data of Pb(II) ions fit well with the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Complexation and electrostatic interactions were identified as the adsorption mechanisms. The adsorption behavior of multi-metal ion adsorption systems was investigated by introducing Cd(II) ions as a competitive metal ion. The presence of the Cd(II) ions reduced the adsorption potential of Pb(II) ions, yet the preference for the Pb(II) ions remained. Regeneration studies were performed by using 0.1 M HCl as a regeneration agent for both systems. Even though a significant amount of adsorbed metal ions were recovered, the adsorption potential of the MDF was reduced in the subsequent adsorption cycles. Based on these results, MDF fines have the potential to be used as an economical adsorbent for remediation of wastewater containing heavy metal ions.

year: 2024

title: A case study of Pipiri Ki A Papatūānuku

authors: Tamoko-o-te-rangi, Ormsby

subjects: environmental initiatives

abstract: This thesis is an examination and analysis of the environmental initiative Pipiri Ki A Papatūānuku, co-founded by Waimirirangi Ormsby (née Koopu-Stone) and myself, Tamoko Ormsby. The primary aim of this research was to achieve an understanding of the PKP initiative at the individual level and to inform future collective action at the community level. As such, my primary research question is:

How can Pipiri Ki A Papatūānuku inform community-scale action that contributes to our more-than-human relationship with Papatūānuku within our current capitalist settler-colonial context?

The study is part-autoethnographic in that it is informed by my personal reflections and experiences as a co-founder, operator, and participant of the initiative. In addition, the study explores the number of participants who signed up yearly for each action and employs a brief descriptive analysis of the initiative.

The literature review explores how common Western notions of environmentalism are devoid of the spiritual, cultural, and relational aspects present within indigenous and Māori knowledge systems. It touches on the histories of capitalism and colonialism and how these have led to the consumptogenic society we are in. It aims to illustrate the nexus between the Māori and Western Eurocentric worlds.

He Whatu is the framework that has emerged from this case study as the means to respond to the primary research question. The framework was developed by analyzing the key themes of PKP over the years 2017 to 2021. He Whatu has five key elements: Identity, Language, Distance, Practicality, and Influence; each with three subcategories. It is activated through provoking key conversations to inform future community action.

text: A case study of Pipiri Ki A Papatūānuku This thesis is an examination and analysis of the environmental initiative Pipiri Ki A Papatūānuku, co-founded by Waimirirangi Ormsby (née Koopu-Stone) and myself, Tamoko Ormsby. The primary aim of this research was to achieve an understanding of the PKP initiative at the individual level and to inform future collective action at the community level. As such, my primary research question is:

How can Pipiri Ki A Papatūānuku inform community-scale action that contributes to our more-than-human relationship with Papatūānuku within our current capitalist settler-colonial context?

The study is part-autoethnographic in that it is informed by my personal reflections and experiences as a co-founder, operator, and participant of the initiative. In addition, the study explores the number of participants who signed up yearly for each action and employs a brief descriptive analysis of the initiative.

The literature review explores how common Western notions of environmentalism are devoid of the spiritual, cultural, and relational aspects present within indigenous and Māori knowledge systems. It touches on the histories of capitalism and colonialism and how these have led to the consumptogenic society we are in. It aims to illustrate the nexus between the Māori and Western Eurocentric worlds.

He Whatu is the framework that has emerged from this case study as the means to respond to the primary research question. The framework was developed by analyzing the key themes of PKP over the years 2017 to 2021. He Whatu has five key elements: Identity, Language, Distance, Practicality, and Influence; each with three subcategories. It is activated through provoking key conversations to inform future community action.

year: 2023