Listening is an essential aspect of communication, involving a genuine interest in the other person and careful attention to what they are expressing. It goes beyond verbal communication, serving as the initial step towards understanding and accepting others, thereby forming relationships built on trust and empathy.

Active listening, as articulated by C. Rogers, is not just a technique but a mindset adopted by the listener. It transcends merely reacting to words, focusing instead on appropriately responding to the emotions conveyed by the speaker. In active listening, the listener refrains from instructing, evaluating, or imposing personal opinions. Instead, the emphasis is on comprehending the individual as a whole—interpreting the meaning embedded in their words and discerning the emotions underlying their expressions. Simultaneously, it involves being attuned to the person’s physical presence, capturing information through observations of their breathing, vocalizations, facial expressions, and movements. For nurses, adopting an attitude of active listening is a highly effective way to establish supportive relationships with patients.

• Hirose, H. (2003). Nursing counseling (2nd ed.). Igaku-Shoin.
• Kawano, M. (2004). Listening and counseling. Kansai Nursing Publishing.
• Washida, S. (1999). The power of “listening”: An essay on clinical philosophy. Hankyu Communications.