Abstract

This study examined the relationship between empathy and critical thinking among Gender and Development representatives of Bestlink College of the Philippines. Given the growing role of student leaders in addressing gender-related and social issues, exploring this relationship provides a meaningful foundation for leadership development initiatives. A quantitative correlational research design was employed involving 50 GAD representatives. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring levels of empathy and critical thinking skills. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the strength and significance of the relationship between the two variables. The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between empathy and critical thinking, indicating that respondents with higher levels of empathy also tended to demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills. This relationship was statistically significant, suggesting that the association between the two variables is unlikely to be due to chance. Overall, the results point to a meaningful link between emotional and cognitive competencies among student leaders. The results suggest that empathy plays a meaningful role in enhancing critical thinking among student leaders. Promoting empathy in leadership development programs may improve problem-solving and decision-making abilities, contributing to more constructive, inclusive, and reflective leadership practices within Gender and Development initiatives.