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The burden of empathy: partners’ responses to divergence of interests in daily life

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 05:45 authored by Francesca Righetti, Judith Gere, Wilhelm Hofmann, Mariko VissermanMariko Visserman, Paul AM Van Lange
Empathy has often been discussed as a beneficial process from which favorable individual and interpersonal experiences may be derived. The present work investigates whether empathy may sometimes be a burden rather than a benefit, under certain interpersonal circumstances. Specifically, we hypothesized that encountering situations of divergence of interests with a partner may cause discomfort, and that empathizing with one’s partner would exacerbate this discomfort, resulting in higher levels of negative mood and stress that can affect relationship satisfaction. We tested these hypotheses using innovative experience sampling methodology in which both partners reported on their experiences in their natural environments. In support, we found that when people encountered divergence of interests with one’s partner, as compared with when they did not, they experienced higher negative mood and stress and, consequently, lower relationship satisfaction. These effects were intensified, rather than reduced, by empathy.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Emotion

ISSN

1528-3542

Publisher

American Psychological Association (APA)

Issue

5

Volume

16

Page range

684-690

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2023-01-03

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    University of Sussex (Publications)

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