When Empathy Fails

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRAISE FROM READERS

". . . the book is engaging when it addresses Marshack's five levels of "EmDs." The second chapter does a particularly good job of describing each one of these. . . .The EmD levels do resonate, and the implications of empathy dysfunction become clear." -Kirkus Reviews

"A Must Have! Combine equal parts trauma, tenacity, courage, mama-bear energy, and determination to help others, then add big dollops of empathy and wisdom, and you have this book. Dr. Kathy Marshack survived the unthinkable and tells her story loudly and clearly, offering others in relationships with unscrupulous people a roadmap out of their suffering. She designed the Empathy Dysfunction Scale to deepen our understanding of the range of human empathy disorders. . . . If you are struggling with mean people or confused about your loved one's behavior, I highly recommend reading this book." -Dr. Julie Glass

Just plain mean. That's how many would see it if: their best friend swindled them; a cyberbully harassed them; a neighbor filed complaints about fabricated wrongdoings; or they befriended a good-looking stranger who inched into their life and hijacked it.

If any of this sounds familiar, "Beware," advises Dr. Marshack. "These 'innocents' may be more than liars or cheats. They may be narcissists, even sociopaths, who are living with Empathy Dysfunction (EmD), putting NeuroTypicals in harm's way." "NeuroDiverse" (ND) describes the unique workings of a brain that is different from those with typical neurological development or functioning; hence, the term, "NeuroTypical" (NT).

When Empathy Dysfunction is afoot, Empathy has failed. To demystify the puzzling-often maddening-world of EmD, Dr. Marshack invented the Empathy Dysfunction Scale. It identifies the severity of EmD, ranging from EmD-0 (having zero degrees of Empathy but not intending harm) to EmD-5 (epitomizing Empathy).

"This book," said Edward Snook, publisher of the 'US~Observer,' "is an imperative read for [crime] victims, law enforcement personnel, and those working in the legal system." On Snook's watch, the newspaper published several investigative articles about the critical damage vigilante justice and wrongful prosecution wrought on Dr. Marshack and her family. A groundbreaking book, it should be a dog-eared reference for anyone living in the shadow of Empathy Dysfunction.