The Double Empathy Problem — What Is It?

The Double Empathy problem is a mutual incomprehension between groups, due to differing perspectives.

Humans tend to have an increased emotional connection with our “in-group.” We also tend to stereotype “outsiders.”

This leads to the perpetuation of misunderstanding between groups — autistic and neurotypical, Black and white, Republican and Democrat…and so on. What is necessary is to embrace the paradox — the “both/and” versus the “either/or.” It is skillful to say, “Hey, I get how you can feel or think that way, that makes sense.” It’s called validation, and leads to increased empathy. Humans, as lifelong learners, can indeed learn these skills. It also calls for increased curiosity — a wondering — an open, expansive, beginner’s mind.