Interventions in Nonviolent Communication to Promote Empathy:

Integrative Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2025.14768

Keywords:

Nonviolent Communication, Empathy, Intervention, Program, Training

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the practices and effects of applying the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) methodology to promote the skill of empathy. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed, PsycInfo, LILACS, Google Scholar, and SciELO databases from July to September 2023. Empirical quantitative and qualitative studies on the application of Nonviolent Communication in adult populations were sought, available in full text, in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, and published in the last 10 years in peer-reviewed journals. Results: Fifteen studies were selected, involving different designs such as mixed methods (n=5, 33.3%); quasi-experiments with pre- and post-intervention evaluations (n=5, 33.3%); mixed methods without randomization (n=1, 6.6%); qualitative studies (n=3, 20%); and quantitative studies (n=2, 13.3%). Educational strategies used in the interventions included role-playing, empathic listening practices, lectures, discussions, and dialogue circles. The main
outcomes observed in the selected interventions were increased self-esteem, self-compassion, emotional awareness, increased empathy and socio-emotional skills; collaborative leadership, improved communication; and reduced anxiety, irritability, anger, and stress. Conclusion: Interventions based on Nonviolent Communication have proven effective in promoting empathy skills. Although methodological flaws were identified in the evaluated interventions, positive health effects were clearly observed.

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Author Biographies

Jéssica Schuster Pereira, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Psicóloga graduada pela Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). Atua na clínica através da abordagem humanista e fenomenológica-existencial e também com facilitação de grupos. Dedica-se ao estudo, prática e facilitação de Comunicação Não-Violenta, realizando oficinas de introdução e grupos de estudo e de prática no tema.

Helen Bedinoto Durgante, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Graduada em Psicologia pela Goldsmiths University of London, mestre em Desenvolvimento e Direitos pela mesma instituição, doutora em Psicologia pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), pós-doutorado em Psicologia na mesma instituição. Coordenadora do Grupo de Pesquisas e Intervenções em Prevenção e Promoção de Saúde - GPIPPS (CNPq), atuação no Grupo de Pesquisa em Psicologia da Saúde e Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Adolescência do Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia da UFRGS. Atual membro do Sistema de Proteção a Crianças e Adolescentes: Pesquisas e Aplicações e da Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa em Prevenção e Promoção de Saúde (CNPq). Pesquisadora colaboradora do projeto No one left to cope alone: development of a post-diagnostic intervention to support people newly diagnosed with dementia (University of Greenwich, University College London, University of Leicester, North East London NHS Foundation Trust). Professora Adjunta da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). 

Published

2025-02-28

How to Cite

Pereira, J. S., & Durgante, H. B. (2025). Interventions in Nonviolent Communication to Promote Empathy: : Integrative Review. Brazilian Journal in Health Promotion, 38, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2025.14768

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Articles for review