ABSTRACT

Objective : This study aims to examine the correlation between the self-esteem of occupational therapists and theirempathy with others. Methods : A survey was conducted on 135 occupational therapists in the Busan and Gyeongnam areas fromDecember 2012 to February 2013. To measure the self- esteem of occupational therapists and their empathy withothers, the self-esteem scale and Korean-version of the empathy quotient (EQ) scale were employed. Results : A positive correlation was shown between self-esteem and cognitive empathy. Significant differences insocial skills, which is a subordinate item of self- esteem and empathy depending on gender, were shown, as weresignificant differences in empathy depending on wage. In addition, self-esteem and empathy both showedsignificant differences depending on the level of education of the occupational therapists. Conclusion : Occupational therapists with high self-esteem showed a high understanding of, and empathy toward,other people. Empathy is an essential element for forming a therapeutic relationship between a client andtherapist. These results imply that there is a need to implement a proper education program that improves theunderstanding of other people by clinical occupational therapists and occupational therapy students, and arousesthe motivation of clients.