State Empathy

State empathy is a transient affective reaction (temporary or fleeting emotional response or feeling) that arises in specific moments and situations. It focuses on understanding and sharing another’s feelings, like being sad when your friend cries or feeling outrage when something has upset them. State empathy is linked to emotional contagion, where you feel an emotion you perceive in others. Also see Situational Empathy and Dispositional Empathy