Does Accurate Detection of Dyadic Empathy Predict Positive Communication? Dyadic Empathy, Accuracy of Dyadic Empathy, and Communication Style in Romantic Relationships
Abstract
Does romantic partners’ accurate detection of dyadic empathy predict positive communication in couples? Unique to this dissertation, the present study measured dyadic empathy from the perspective of self and the perception of partner to assess accurately detecting empathy as a predictor for positive communication style in romantic dyads. I investigated if dyadic empathy, and its affective and cognitive components, will positively predict positive communication, if accuracy of dyadic empathy, measured two ways, will positively predict positive communication, and if accuracy of dyadic empathy moderates the relationship between dyadic empathy and positive communication. I also explored gender differences, if women’s self-reported dyadic empathy more strongly predicts self-reported positive communication than men’s, and if women’s self-reported accuracy of dyadic empathy will be higher than men’s. Participants (n = 127) completed instruments that measured dyadic empathy, communication style and relationship satisfaction, and accuracy of dyadic empathy was calculated, to contribute to a better understanding of the interrelationships of variables. Results were analyzed through between-subjects design, within-subjects design, linear regression models, moderation models, and linear mixed multilevel models to investigate main hypotheses and exploratory questions. Findings revealed dyadic empathy as a predictor for positive communication, accuracy of dyadic empathy was not significant as a predictor but was significant as a moderator, and there was very minimal evidence of gender differences. The overall findings of this study contribute to the literature and inform counseling theory and clinical practice on romantic relationships and the effects of assessing dyadic empathy, accuracy of dyadic empathy, and communication style.
Subject Area
Social psychology|Counseling Psychology|Mental health
Recommended Citation
Romano, Christine S, "Does Accurate Detection of Dyadic Empathy Predict Positive Communication? Dyadic Empathy, Accuracy of Dyadic Empathy, and Communication Style in Romantic Relationships" (2021). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI28546922.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI28546922
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