What is the term for experiencing the feelings or thoughts of another individual?

The term that refers to experiencing the feelings or thoughts of another individual is empathy. Empathy involves not only understanding what someone else is going through but also feeling their emotions as if they were your own. It is about putting yourself in another person's shoes and getting a deeper sense of their experience.

This concept is crucial in effective communication, as it can create a stronger connection and understanding between individuals. It facilitates compassionate interactions and helps in resolving conflicts, as one can better appreciate the perspectives of others.

Reflective listening, while important, is primarily about paraphrasing or summarizing what someone has said to confirm understanding rather than feeling the emotions behind it. Sympathy, although it shows care and concern, is more about feeling pity or compassion from a distance, rather than experiencing the emotions of the other person directly. Active engagement refers to being fully present and participating in the conversation but does not imply the emotional connection that empathy does.