Although a number of theoretical frameworks have been developed in previous empathyresearch, the extent to which these frameworks consider cultural and ethnic aspects islimited. This literature study reviews the most influential frameworks of general andethnocultural empathy. The core components of ethnocultural empathy are identified aswell as factors facilitating empathy for persons from other cultures. Most notably, therealization that people in other cultures have similar worries and goals should facilitateethnocultural empathy, in both informal and professional contexts. This analysis canprovide useful insights and tools for practitioners working with patients and clients fromcultures other than their own.