Perceptions of an evidence-based empathy mobile app in post-secondary education

Abstract

Cognitive empathy (also known as perspective-taking) is an important, teachable, skill. As part of a knowledge translation project, we identified a) interest in an evidence-based cognitive empathy mobile app and b) which faculties believe that cognitive empathy is important for their profession. Students (n = 638) and instructors/professors (n = 38) completed a university-wide survey. Participants in Education, Social Work, and the Health Sciences were among those most interested in the app. The majority of participants said that they would prefer for the app to be free or less than $3 for students. Most participants preferred a one-time payment option. Across 17 faculties, all but one had 60% or more of its sampled members say that cognitive empathy is important for their profession. Results illuminate perceptions of cognitive empathy instruction and technology. Results also provide insight into issues to consider when developing and implementing an educational communication app.