Interventions in Nonviolent Communication to Promote Empathy: Integrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2025.14768Keywords:
Nonviolent Communication, Empathy, Intervention, Program, TrainingAbstract
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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Copyright (c) 2025 Jéssica Schuster Pereira, Helen Bedinoto Durgante

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