What term best describes the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others?

The term that best describes the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others is empathy. Empathy involves recognizing and validating the feelings of other people, allowing individuals to connect on an emotional level. It encompasses both cognitive aspects—understanding someone else's emotional state—and affective components—feeling what others feel and responding appropriately.

This ability to empathize plays a crucial role in social interactions and relationships, fostering compassion and improving communication. It is particularly significant in fields like psychology, counseling, and social work, where understanding clients' emotions is vital for effective support and assistance.

The other terms are related to different concepts. Altruism refers to selfless concern for the well-being of others without any expectation of personal gain. Mood refers to a temporary state of mind or feeling, which may not directly relate to interacting with or understanding others' emotions. The bystander effect describes a social phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help when others are present, often due to a diffusion of responsibility, not related to emotional understanding per se.