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IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY AND EFFECTIVE GOAL-SETTING

The Importance of Empathy and Effective Goal-Setting for Dietitians

Amanda N. McElvany
Eastern Michigan University
March 15, 2015

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IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY AND EFFECTIVE GOAL-SETTING
Abstract
This paper explores the importance of empathy and effective goal-setting within the field of
dietetics. Empathy and effective goal-setting in relation to successful treatment plans are also a
topic of discussion. Mensch and Miller, who wrote The Athletic Trainers Guide to Psychosocial
Intervention and Referral, define the terms of empathy and goal-setting while also giving
examples of goal-setting characteristics (2008). McArthur and Ross gave important information
that supports the significance of empathy on treatment plans and patient relationships (1997).
Empathy in Clinical Dietitians and Dietetic Interns, written by Carey, Fox, and Spraggins,
indicates how important empathy is in the field of dietetics. Bowen and McIntosh give light on
proper goal-setting follow-up procedure with patients during treatment (2002).
Key Words: empathy, goal-setting, successful treatment

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IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY AND EFFECTIVE GOAL-SETTING
The Importance of Empathy and Effective for Dietitians
There are many characteristics and traits that make a good Dietitian great. Two traits that
assist an individual in becoming a great Dietitian include empathy (the genuine ability of
expressing it to others) and the knowledge of effective goal-setting. Both empathy and effective
goal-setting are important factors in a successful treatment plan. Mastering these two traits will
enhance ones career as a Dietitian while accomplishing success in treatment sessions with
patients.
Empathy
Empathy, defined by The Athletic Trainers Guide to psychosocial Intervention and
Referral as the counselors ability to see, be aware of, and conceptualize, understand, and
effectively communicate back to the client [their] feelings, thoughts, and frame of reference in
regard to a situation or point of viewEmpathy is one of the necessary and sufficient conditions
for change, along with unconditional positive regard and congruence (Mensch & Miller, 2008).
In any situation, empathy is important for: building rapport, detecting messages, the basis for
genuine caring and understanding, and building trust. Health professionals can be more
effective in helping patients if they are able to demonstrate empathy in the clinical
setting. Empathy, in combination with a caring attitude, may greatly facilitate counseling and the
achievement of goals set for the patient (Carey, Fox, & Spraggins, 1990). Empathy can be
conveyed back to the patient to make them feel comfortable, respected, and trusting of their
health care provider. This will building a great patient-practitioner relationship. Knowing and
understanding how the patient feels and views their situation will help in the treatment process.
As a Dietitian, one would want their patients to trust them; the ability to have an open and
trusting patient- practitioner relationship will allow for a smoother treatment process. Carey,

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IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY AND EFFECTIVE GOAL-SETTING
Fox, and Spraggins point out that in nutritional counseling, patients are being told to change food
habits. These habits are ones that the patient more than likely enjoys and has had for a long
period of time; this is their comfort zone. It is expected that patients are going to resist, feel
overwhelmed, and not comply with nutritional advice/treatment plans. To combat this type of
setback in treatment, a Dietitian should use an empathic approach that recognizes the clients
feelings. An example of an empathetic approach would be, as the Dietitian, to include some of
the patients favorite foods into the diet plan or to ensure religious beliefs are being respected.
An empathetic approach to treatment will promote strong professional relationships that assist in
positive outcomes resulting in an enjoyable treatment sessions for both patient and Dietitian.
McArthur and Ross agree that to enhance the quality of counseling, Dietitians need to provide
support and exhibit a caring attitude when interacting with clients (1997).
If an empathetic approach is not taken in treatment or counseling sessions, the outcome
will be unsuccessful. McArthur and Ross can confirm that a lack of empathy from Dietitians
may deter progress in sessions. A Dietitians perceptions and attitudes may adversely affect the
counselor-client relationship and success of [weight management] plans (1997). It is the
Dietitians job to ensure they build a rapport with their clients; the best way this can be done is
through the use of an empathetic approach.
Successful Goal-Setting
Goals are defined as achieving a specified level of proficiency on a task by a specified
time (Mensch & Miller, 2008). Nutritional treatment plans benefit from goal-setting because
they give the patient something to work toward. Goal-setting has been shown to influence
performance across age and ability levels by enhancing confidence and motivation and reducing

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IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY AND EFFECTIVE GOAL-SETTING
anxiety (Mensch & Miller, 2008). Anything that will boost a patients confidence while
reducing their anxiety is a valuable tool treatment plans.
There are many characteristics that can be useful when setting goals with patients.
Characteristics of effective Goal-setting include: realistic measurable outcomes, time specific,
short-term and long-term goals, positive goals, record then post goals in a visible area, and
ensuring the patient has proper social supports (Mensch & Miller, 2008). As a Dietitian, one
would want to incorporate all characteristics into patient goals and treatment plans. Successful
treatment plans would include smaller milestone goals that lead up to one main long-term goal.
Additionally, having the patient help compose the goals will allow for a better result. Patients
who help compose their goals feel ownership and pride toward the goals and have a stronger
desire to meet them. Additionally, patients who help write their goals feel more in tune with
their treatment plan as a whole. Another effective goal-setting measure is once a mile stone goal
is reached by the patient, there should be a reward given by the Dietitian. Rewards can be words
of praise, small treats, or anything else that will keep the patient motivated toward their longterm goal.
To ensure that goals are being met, Dietitians should periodically check in with clients to
discuss changes in physical or emotional status that may negatively impact their progress in
relation to reaching goals (Bowen & McIntosh 2002). Any type of change (potential setback)
that could negatively impact a patients progress toward goals should be discussed. Once a
potential setback is identified and discussed, the Dietitian should help the patient come up with
ways to overcome these situations. This could mean that goals are redefined or mile stone goals
are changed to accommodate the changes within the patient. Consistent practitioner-patient
interactions throughout the course of treatment are crucial in attaining the desired results.

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IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY AND EFFECTIVE GOAL-SETTING
In sum, empathy and effective goal-setting both hold a huge place within successful
treatment plans/rehabilitation of patients. It is the Dietitians job to ensure they can convey both
onto their patients. Without empathy, a Dietitian will fail to build strong trusting relationship
with their clients. Without effective goal-setting in treatment plans, patients will have nothing to
work toward.

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IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY AND EFFECTIVE GOAL-SETTING
References
1.

Bowen, Deborah & McIntosh, Martin. (2002). The Effects of Physical and Emotional
Status on Adherence to Low-Fat Dietary Pattern in Womens Health Initiative. Journal of
the American Dietetic Association, 102(6), p789. Retrieved March 9, 2015, from Health

Reference Center Academic. Web.

2. Carey, J., Fox, E., & Spraggins, E. (1990). Empathy in Clinical Dietitians and Dietetic
Interns. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 90(2), p244-244. Retrieved March
9, 2015, from Academic OneFile. Web.
3. McArthur, Laura H. & Ross, Jane K. (1997). Attitudes of Registered Dietitians Toward
Personal Overweight and Overweight Clients. Journal of the American Dietetic
Association. 97(1), p63. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from Health and Wellness Resource
Center. Web.
4. Mensch, James M., & Miller, Gary M. (2008). The Athletic Trainers Guide to
Psychosocial Intervention and Referral (p. 180, 181, 305). Thorofare, NJ: SLACK
Incorporates.