A reduction in appropriate social functioning has been commonly reported following Acquired brain injury (ABI). A post-ABI empathy deficit has been suggested as a possible cause of this; specifically the ability to experience emotional empathy which has been defined as vicariously feeling what someone else is feeling. This review sought to investigate the nature and extent of emotional empathy deficits post-ABI. A systematic search of four databases yielded 10 articles that met inclusion criteria. Specific data was extracted from each article and a methodological quality score was awarded in accordance with a quality checklist. The review revealed that studies used either self-report or physiological readings as measures of experienced emotional empathy. The overarching finding was that experienced emotional empathy deficits are common post-ABI, specifically the ability to experience emotional empathy from negative emotional expressions. The measures being used to assess the experience of emotional empathy were critically appraised and their limitations used to critically assess the studies results. The strengths and limitations of literature reviewed, measures used, neurological findings and the review itself are critically analysed and possible future research discussed
