長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題106

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, has become a crucial skill in our increasingly interconnected world. Recent neuroscience research reveals that empathy activates specific brain regions, including the mirror neuron system, which allows us to mentally simulate others' experiences. Studies conducted at Stanford University found that people who regularly practice empathy exercises show increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, a brain area associated with emotional processing.
However, empathy is not just a biological phenomenon; it is also shaped by cultural and social factors. Different societies emphasize various aspects of empathetic behavior. For instance, collectivist cultures often prioritize group harmony and emotional sensitivity, while individualist cultures may focus more on personal boundaries and rational understanding.
The implications of empathy research extend beyond psychology into education and healthcare. Medical schools now incorporate empathy training into their curricula, recognizing that empathetic doctors provide better patient care. Similarly, educational programs that teach emotional intelligence and perspective-taking have shown significant improvements in reducing bullying and enhancing classroom cooperation among students.