Exploring Registered Psychiatric Nurses' Responses towards Service Users with a Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder

Box 3

Levels of empathy (SPIRS) [27].

Level 1 empathy (no care)

 (1) Belittles, contradicts or requires defence

 (2) Platitudes, clichés or rules

Level 2 empathy (offer solution)

 (3) Explains whys of rules or process

 (4) Tells the patient to do something

 (5) Offers a solution or resolution

 (6) invites exploration

Level 3 empathy (affective involvement)

 (7) Expresses Care and Concern

 (8) Addresses Service users feelings

 (9) Addresses any feelings at all

 (10) Addresses the self-esteem of the patient