Figure 6.

Illustration of Empathy Bodyssence. This figure depicts the interwoven phenomenological and neurophysiological phases of empathy for pain, graphically representing the seamless integration of first-person experiential data (1p) and third-person physiological data (3p). These distinct phases collectively illuminate the ‘bodyssence of empathy,’ showcasing the dynamic interplay between an individual’s physiological reactions and their concurrent lived experiences in response to observed events. Forefeel (orange hue), as the initial phase, embodies the body’s intuitive pre-reflective knowledge, with participants sensing the imminent physical accidents of extreme sportspersons, a state that is characterized by the most subdued levels of postural movement and elevated heart rate during the temporal dynamic of empathy. Fullfeel (yellow hue) represents the peak of empathetic connection, characterized by intense negative emotions, prominent bodily sensations, heightened kinesthetic sensations. This phase is distinguished by an increase in postural movement and decrease in heart rate in specific moments of the temporal dynamic of empathy. Reliefeel (blue hue): participants experienced a decrease in emotional intensity and a concurrent sense of relief, with postural control returning to an equilibrium and heart rate remaining low. Throughout all three phases, electrodermal activity was consistently elevated compared to the baseline condition.