What concept describes a person's feeling of sharing a common problem with others?

Universality is the concept that describes a person's feeling of sharing a common problem with others. This phenomenon often occurs in therapeutic or support group settings where individuals realize that their struggles and experiences are not unique, but rather shared by others facing similar challenges. This recognition can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging, creating an environment where individuals feel understood and supported. It enhances the therapeutic alliance and fosters openness among group members, as they discover that others can relate to their experiences.

Empathy, while closely related, refers specifically to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, rather than the shared nature of problems. Compassion involves a genuine concern for others' suffering and a desire to help; this may accompany universality but is not synonymous with it. Reciprocity involves a mutual exchange, often in the context of relationships or social interactions, but does not capture the sense of shared experience that universality conveys.