The effects of perspective taking on changing levels of empathy toward domestic abuse against men in heterosexual relationships

Perspective taking is the active consideration of another individual's point of view and the situation that individual faces. This can create feelings of empathy (identification with and understanding of another's feelings), distress, and motivation to help the individual and the group they represent. Perspective taking has the power to resolve many interpersonal conflicts and has been applied in many contexts and situations to change attitudes toward individuals of various out-groups. This review will examine the theory of perspective taking, its purpose, method and function. Perspective taking applied in various studies and implications for further research in applying the theory of perspective taking will also be discussed.