The 6 best books on empathy, according to psychologists

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Some experts warn that we may be collectively experiencing a “empathy deficit.”
Research suggests that empathy can help us cope better with events like the pandemic.
We spoke to 3 psychologists to find the best non-fiction books on how to have more empathy.

Between dealing with burnout and self-isolation over the past few years during the COVID-19 pandemic, some people may struggle to have empathy for others as we continue to be in mode survival. But empathy is extremely important to continue to have, both for ourselves and for others. This is why it is important to tackle what some see as a “empathy deficit.”

Some research even suggests that having empathy for others can help us cope better with the COVID-19 pandemic: May 2021 study found that having empathy for higher-risk populations helped people manage lockdowns.

To learn more about the best books on empathy, I spoke to three experts:

Here’s what they recommended to better understand empathy you can implement in your life.

Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches books.