Date of Award
Spring 2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
Committee Chairperson
Michael Roche, PhD
Committee Member
Megan Nolan, PhD
Committee Member
Lia O'Brien, PhD
Abstract
Abilities such as empathy, perspective taking, emotional intelligence, and mentalization are fundamental aspects of successful interpersonal relationships. However, distinguishing empathy from related constructs is difficult because these constructs seemingly conceptually overlap. In the present thesis (n=230), I used several self-report measures of empathy and related constructs, first examining their inter-relationships through factor analysis, and then examining their associations to various self-reported outcomes (maladaptive personality traits, relationship satisfaction, relationship communication styles). I found that most empathy and related measures are highly correlated and might be well represented through a single factor. I further found support that higher empathy and related constructs were negatively associated with maladaptive personality traits, and positively associated with relationship satisfaction and positive relationship communication styles. I discuss the implications for the continued study of empathy within the field.
Recommended Citation
Linden-Chirlian, Julia, "Investigating how empathy and other receptive communication abilities are inter-related and their association to maladaptive personality outcomes and relationship outcomes" (2023). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 339.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/339