Which statement best defines apathy?

Which statement best defines apathy?

• A. A punitive attitude toward inmates.
• B. A state in which different people share the same interests, opinions, and goals.
• C. Lack of feeling or emotion, indifference.
• D. The feeling that you care about and are sorry about someone else's trouble.

Answer: (C)

Apathy is a lack of feeling or emotion, indifference. It means someone shows little or no interest, concern, or responsiveness to people, events, or outcomes around them. In contrast, sympathy or compassion involves caring about others’ troubles and wanting to help, while a punitive attitude is about hostility or punishment rather than emotional disengagement. The idea of apathy fits a situation where someone simply doesn’t care, not where they actively condemn or share others’ feelings. In practice, apathy can undermine safety and support, especially in corrections, because it decreases responsiveness to inmates’ needs and welfare.

Apathy is a lack of feeling or emotion, indifference. It means someone shows little or no interest, concern, or responsiveness to people, events, or outcomes around them. In contrast, sympathy or compassion involves caring about others’ troubles and wanting to help, while a punitive attitude is about hostility or punishment rather than emotional disengagement. The idea of apathy fits a situation where someone simply doesn’t care, not where they actively condemn or share others’ feelings. In practice, apathy can undermine safety and support, especially in corrections, because it decreases responsiveness to inmates’ needs and welfare.