1
|
Chen SY, Chen KM, Chang CC, Lai CY, Belcastro F, Kuo CF. Social Skill Abilities and Demographic Correlates of Older Volunteers. J Appl Gerontol 2024:7334648241245487. [PMID: 38652874 DOI: 10.1177/07334648241245487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Older age is associated with reduced social networks while social skill abilities are important assets for older people to cope with these situations. To better understand older people's social skill ability and important demographic correlates, the present cross-sectional survey research interviewed 1000 Taiwanese older volunteers from 73 community care centers. Findings of a mixed model indicated that education and serving area outweighed other demographic factors significantly correlated with older volunteers' social skill ability. Latent class analyses further identified different latent ability groups for different education (high vs. low) or serving-area (urban vs. suburban) older volunteers. Specifically, low-education or suburban volunteers were correlated with disadvantageous social skill profiles. Notably, the suburban eclectic ability group exhibited a skill pattern signifying the risk of loneliness. Overall, the findings called for further investigation into the relationship between older people's socioeconomic factors (e.g., education and serving area) and their social skill ability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Yu Chen
- Center for Long-term Care Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Min Chen
- Center for Long-term Care Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiang-Ching Chang
- Department of Medical Sociology and Social Work, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yi Lai
- College of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Frank Belcastro
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA, USA
| | - Chuan-Feng Kuo
- Center for Long-term Care Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ebner NC, Horta M, El-Shafie D. New directions for studying the aging social-cognitive brain. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 56:101768. [PMID: 38104362 PMCID: PMC10939782 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The study of social cognition has extended across the lifespan with a recent special focus on the impacts of aging on the social-cognitive brain. This review summarizes current knowledge on social perception, theory of mind, empathy, and social behavior from a social-cognitive neuroscience of aging perspective and identifies new directions for studying the aging social-cognitive brain. These new directions highlight the need for (i) standardized operationalization and analysis of social-cognitive constructs; (ii) use of naturalistic paradigms to enhance ecological validity of social-cognitive measures; (iii) application of repeated assessments via single-N designs for robust delineation of social-cognitive processes in the aging brain; (iv) increased representation of vulnerable aging populations in social-cognitive brain research to enhance diversity, promote generalizability, and allow for cross-population comparisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dalia El-Shafie
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee D, Willoughby A, Pignotti M, McNulty B, Fagan N, Kapoutsos A, Patel J. One day you too will be older: Teaching empathy to physical therapy students with an older adult simulator suit. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2024; 45:248-258. [PMID: 36803259 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2023.2171031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an older adult simulation suit on empathy in physical therapy students. The study used a mixed-methods design. An older adult simulator suit was designed for use in this study. The primary outcome measure was empathy as measured by a 20-item Empathy Questionnaire (EQ). Secondary outcomes included rate of perceived exertion, functional mobility, and physical difficulty. Participants were physical therapy students (n = 24) enrolled in an accredited program in the United States. Participants performed a Modified Physical Performance Test (MPPT) with and without the simulator suit, followed by an interview about their experience. For the primary outcome of empathy, there was a significant difference on the EQ (n = 2.51, n = .02), indicating increased empathy following exposure to the suit. For secondary outcomes, there were significant differences on perceived exertion (n = 5.61, n < .001) and MPPT scores (n = 9.18, n < .001). Two themes were developed: 1.) Experience Creates Awareness and Inspires Empathy, and 2.) Empathy Impacts Treatment Perspective. Results support that an older adult simulator suit can affect empathy in student physical therapists. The benefits of having experienced the older adult simulator may help student physical therapists in making treatment decisions when working with older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Touro University, Bayshore, NY, USA
| | | | - Max Pignotti
- Department of Physical Therapy, Touro University, Bayshore, NY, USA
| | - Brianna McNulty
- Department of Physical Therapy, Touro University, Bayshore, NY, USA
| | - Natalie Fagan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Touro University, Bayshore, NY, USA
| | - Alex Kapoutsos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Touro University, Bayshore, NY, USA
| | - Jay Patel
- Department of Physical Therapy, Touro University, Bayshore, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun B, Luo Z, Zhu X, Shao Y, Zhang W, Qin G, Lin S, Wan S. Lack of Interaction Motivation in Older Adults Automatically Reduces Cognitive Empathy. Exp Aging Res 2024; 50:225-247. [PMID: 38192191 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2023.2168990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Empathy, the ability to understand and respond to the experiences of others, is an important skill for maintaining good relationships throughout one's life. Previous research indicated that emotional empathy remained stable or even increased in older adults compared to younger adults, while cognitive empathy showed age-related deficits. Based on the selective engagement hypothesis, this deficit was not caused by a decline in cognitive functioning, but by a lack of willingness to judge the target person's emotions more precisely, that is, by a lack of interaction motivation. In order to provide more evidence on the causes of empathic aging in older adults, the current study investigated the influence of interaction motivation on empathy in older adults in an Eastern cultural context (China) based on the selective engagement hypothesis. This study used older adults and younger adults as subjects. Through two experiments, empathy was measured by the multiple empathy test (Experiment 1) and film tasks (Experiment 2); at the same time, use accountability instructions (Experiment 1), the age-related events (Experiment 2) to manipulate interaction motivation. The results showed that emotional empathy was significantly higher in older adults than in younger adults, regardless of whether interaction motivation was elicited. In terms of cognitive empathy, when there is no motivation, the cognitive empathy of older adults is significantly lower than that of younger adults. When the interaction motivation is stimulated, the cognitive empathy of older adults is no less than that of younger adults. This suggested that empathic aging in older adults was not a permanent decline in cognitive empathy, but rather a decline in interaction motivation, supporting the selective engagement hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binghai Sun
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Research Center of Tin Ka Ping Moral Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenbing Luo
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Yuting Shao
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Research Center of Tin Ka Ping Moral Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenhai Zhang
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Research Center of Tin Ka Ping Moral Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guihua Qin
- College of Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Research Center of Tin Ka Ping Moral Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuwei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Simin Wan
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Swenson TL, Ehsanian R, Tran RT, Petersen TR, Kennedy DJ, Roche M, Oppezzo M, Noordsy DL, Fredericson M. The Association Between Well-Being and Empathy in Medical Residents: A Cross-Sectional Survey. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 38416862 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the extent to which personal well-being may be associated with empathy, while controlling for potential confounders. Settings/Location: Residency programs throughout the United States. Subjects: A total of 407 medical residents from residencies including general medicine, surgery, specialized and diagnostic medicine participated in this study. Outcome Measures: Well-being was measured using the modified existential well-being subscale of the spiritual well-being scale. Empathy was measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Results: Well-being was found to be positively correlated with empathy when adjusted for possible confounders (p < 0.001). In addition to well-being, other factors noted to be statistically significant contributors to higher empathy scores while controlling for the others included age, gender, year in residency, specialty, and work-hours (p < 0.05 for each). After controlling for these factors, a resident's year in residency was not found to be a statistically significant contributor to empathy score. Conclusions: In this study, well-being was associated with empathy in medical and surgical residents. Empathy is a fundamental component of physician competency, and its development is an essential aspect of medical training. These findings suggest that efforts to increase well-being may promote empathy among medical residents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodora L Swenson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Reza Ehsanian
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Richard T Tran
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Timothy R Petersen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - David J Kennedy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Megan Roche
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marily Oppezzo
- Division of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Douglas L Noordsy
- Division of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Fredericson
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhatt KV, Weissman CR. The effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior: a proposed mechanism for enduring antidepressant effects. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:7. [PMID: 38609500 PMCID: PMC10955966 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic shown to have enduring antidepressant effects. Currently, the mechanism for its enduring effects is not well understood. Empathy and prosocial behavior may be important for understanding the therapeutic benefit of psilocybin. In this article we review the effect of psilocybin on empathy and prosocial behavior. Moreover, we propose that psilocybin may induce a positive feedback loop involving empathy and prosocial behavior which helps explain the observed, enduring antidepressant effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kush V Bhatt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cory R Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ramezani T, Zanjari N, Rafiey H, Delbari A. The Concept of Prosociality in Later Life and Its Dimensions: A Scoping Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2024; 19:130-147. [PMID: 38420283 PMCID: PMC10896764 DOI: 10.18502/ijps.v19i1.14348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify various aspects and dimensions of the prosociality concept in later life as an important concept that gains significance in people as they age. This concept has been expressed through a variety of dimensions in different studies. Method : This is a scoping review of the relevant literature on the concept of prosociality and its dimensions in later life, including quantitative and qualitative studies. The required data were collected from Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases between the years 1987 and 2022. Results: First, 877 articles were identified, and after the screening phase, 57 eligible studies were reviewed. Two main categories, prosocial dispositions and prosocial behaviors, and seven subcategories were extracted. The subcategories of prosocial dispositions include empathy, prosocial norms, innate tendencies, and generative desires. Prosocial behaviors subcategories include informal spontaneous helping, formal planned helping, and pro-environmental behaviors. Conclusion: The various aspects and dimensions of the prosociality concept in later life identified in this study can be used as a basis for assessing and planning the promotion of prosociality among older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Ramezani
- Department of Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasibeh Zanjari
- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Rafiey
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Delbari
- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Loveless JP, Sullivan SN, Hall H, Danford J, Farley A, Trogdon N, Baldwin J. Linking Blood Pressure-Associated Emotional Dampening to Trait Empathy. Percept Mot Skills 2023; 130:2305-2326. [PMID: 37632294 DOI: 10.1177/00315125231197839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Gradual and sustained increases in resting blood pressure are accompanied by gradual and sustained reductions in the capacity to consciously experience several affective and somatosensory processes. Burgeoning theory suggests that this phenomenon, termed cardiovascular emotional dampening, contributes to heart disease risk by interfering with our ability to effectively respond to environmental demands. Interpersonal relationships are contexts in which this risk cascade likely occurs, but prior researchers have paid little attention to how emotional dampening might influence these relationships. As empathy is a construct used to describe facets of emotion-linked responding that facilitate interpersonal relationships, if emotional dampening influences interpersonal relationships, then we might expect resting blood pressure to covary with measures of empathy as it does with other previously studied aspects of affective responding. We recruited 175 healthy undergraduate college student participants (120 Women; M age = 19.17, SD age = 2.08) to complete a counterbalanced procedure in which we measured resting blood pressure and related it to participants' responses on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy, and a demographic survey. Bivariate comparisons revealed a significant inverse relationship between average resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cognitive empathy, as well as a significant inverse relationship between SBP and affective empathy. Multiple regression analyses revealed that SBP remained a significant predictor of cognitive empathy, but not affective empathy, after controlling for related covariates (i.e., sex, age, and alexithymia). SBP predicted cognitive empathy such that higher SBP was associated with lower cognitive empathy. Thus, people with higher resting blood pressures might experience increased interpersonal distress because of a reduced capacity for empathetic accuracy and perspective-taking. We discuss the implications and future directions of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James P Loveless
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - S Nichole Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Hailey Hall
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Jamie Danford
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Ally Farley
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Nicholas Trogdon
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| | - Jameson Baldwin
- Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Halimi SN, Mirzaei A, Rowett D, Whitfield K, Luetsch K. Resilience and empathy in pharmacy interns: Insights from a three-year cohort study. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2023; 12:100333. [PMID: 37823011 PMCID: PMC10562191 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Resilience and empathy are important attributes for healthcare professionals to navigate challenging work environments and providing patient-centred care. Knowledge about pharmacists' levels of resilience and empathy, particularly during the early stages of their careers, is limited. Objectives To explore pharmacy interns' levels of resilience and empathy using the Connor-Davidson-Resilience-Scale-25 (CD-RISC-25) and the Kiersma-Chen-Empathy-Scale (KCES), examine potential associations with demographic characteristics and ascertain what challenges interns' resilience and which support mechanisms they identify. Methods Hard copies of the surveys were distributed to three cohorts during face-to-face intern pharmacy workshops from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, a qualitative questionnaire explored interns' experiences while completing an accredited internship program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, open-ended questions were analysed through qualitative and quantitative content analysis. Results Among 134 completed surveys, most respondents were female, aged 18-22, and worked in hospitals. The CD-RISC-25 mean score was 66.6 (SD 11.7) and the KCES mean was 84.3 (SD 9.23) indicative of intermediate levels of resilience and empathy. Resilience and empathy scores did not significantly differ between the three cohorts (p-value > 0.05), and both were not consistently correlated with each other (p-value > 0.05). No significant associations were found between demographic characteristics and resilience scores. However, age and pre-internship employment history showed a statistically significant association with empathy scores (p-value < 0.05), with younger age groups and those who worked part-time during undergraduate studies demonstrating higher levels of empathy. Challenges undermining interns' resilience included the COVID-19 pandemic, internship requirements, and feelings of inadequacy and inexperience. Conclusions This study showed that resilience and empathy scores among interns were at what can be regarded as intermediate levels, largely unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic or cohort demographics. It highlights professional aspects and strategies which are professionally sustaining and may assist interns in navigating challenges to their resilience and empathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syafiqah Nadiah Halimi
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25710 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
| | - Ardalan Mirzaei
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Debra Rowett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Karen Whitfield
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Karen Luetsch
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chowdhury D, Laurie K, Zhang T, Bossé D, Wheatley-Price P. What Attributes Matter Most in Physicians? Exploratory Findings from a Single-Centre Survey of Stakeholder Priorities in Cancer Care at a Canadian Academic Cancer Centre. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8363-8374. [PMID: 37754522 PMCID: PMC10528834 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited research exists regarding how healthcare stakeholders prioritize the importance of differing physician attributes in oncologists. Identifying these priorities can help ensure that Canadian cancer care continues to meet the needs of its patients. In our previous research, compassion and empathy were identified as important physician attributes, with answers like knowledge, professionalism or communication less common. We hypothesized that respondents may have been assuming other, underlying qualities in their oncologists when they prioritized "compassion" and "empathy". To test this, the current study asks respondents to rank important physician attributes. METHODS With ethics approval, we asked healthcare stakeholders (physicians, nurses, patients, caregivers, medical students, and allied healthcare providers) to rank the eight most popular qualities or attributes. We identified differences between which characteristics each group valued most in physicians. RESULTS 375 respondents participated in the survey. "Knowledge" and "competence" were the most popular answers in the current study among all groups except medical students. CONCLUSION Previously, we identified compassion as a highly valued attribute; however, this survey suggests that this may be with the assumption that a physician is knowledgeable and competent. Future research will use semi-structured interviews to investigate respondents' rationales for making their choices and help interpret our findings in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepro Chowdhury
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Katie Laurie
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Tinghua Zhang
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Dominick Bossé
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Paul Wheatley-Price
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guariglia P, Palmiero M, Giannini AM, Piccardi L. The Key Role of Empathy in the Relationship between Age and Social Support. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2464. [PMID: 37685497 PMCID: PMC10487866 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging involves several changes depending on genetic and behavioral factors, such as lifestyle and the number and quality of social relationships, which in turn can be influenced by empathy. Here, the change in the perceived social support across the lifespan as a function of empathy was investigated, considering the mediating role of empathy after controlling for gender and education. In total, 441 people (18-91 years old) filled in the Italian short version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ6), as well as the Empathy Questionnaire (EQ), and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET). The mediation analyses with ISEL-12 showed that age and the EQ fully mediated the relationship between age and appraisal, belonging, and tangible scores. Further, the EQ fully mediated only the relationship between age and SSQ6-People. These results showed that empathic skills are key in the relationships between age and social support. This suggests that empathy can trigger social support and, ultimately, well-being if stimulated across the lifespan, especially from a young age; this would help to form the socio-emotional competence across the years as a sort of cushion that can be useful in the older to fulfill active aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Guariglia
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE—Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00158 Rome, Italy; (A.M.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Laura Piccardi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00158 Rome, Italy; (A.M.G.); (L.P.)
- San Raffaele Cassino Hospital, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Grainger SA, McKay KT, Riches JC, Chander RJ, Cleary R, Mather KA, Kochan NA, Sachdev PS, Henry JD. Measuring Empathy Across the Adult Lifespan: A Comparison of Three Assessment Types. Assessment 2023; 30:1870-1883. [PMID: 36210740 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221127902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Empathy is a core component of social cognition that can be indexed via behavioral, informant-report, or self-report methods of assessment. However, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of convergence between these assessment approaches for cognitive empathy. Here, we provided the first comparison of all three measurement approaches for cognitive and affective empathy in a large adult sample (N = 371) aged 18 to 101 years. We found that poor convergence was more of a problem for cognitive empathy than affective empathy. While none of the cognitive empathy measures correlated with each other, for affective empathy, self-report was significantly associated with both behavioral and informant-report assessments. However, for both cognitive and affective empathy, there was evidence for poor discriminant validity within the measures. Out of the three assessment approaches, only the informant-report measures were consistently associated with indices of social functioning. Importantly, age did not moderate any of the tested relationships, indicating that both the strengths and the limitations of these different types of assessment do not appear to vary as a function of age. These findings highlight the variation that exists among empathy measures and are discussed in relation to their practical implications for the assessment of empathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate T McKay
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Rhiagh Cleary
- The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen A Mather
- The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Perminder S Sachdev
- The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie D Henry
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ryan AD, O’Connor BB, Schacter DL, Campbell KL. Episodic simulation of helping behavior in younger and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2023; 12:443-456. [PMID: 37873548 PMCID: PMC10588798 DOI: 10.1037/mac0000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Imagining helping a person in need increases one's willingness to help beyond levels evoked by passively reading the same stories. We examined whether episodic simulation can increase younger and older adults' willingness to help in novel scenarios posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Across 3 studies we demonstrate that episodic simulation of helping behavior increases younger and older adults' willingness to help during both everyday and COVID-related scenarios. Moreover, we show that imagining helping increases emotional concern, scene imagery, and theory of mind, which in turn relate to increased willingness to help. Studies 2 and 3 also showed that people produce more internal, episodic-like details when imagining everyday compared to COVID-related scenarios, suggesting that people are less able to draw on prior experiences when simulating such novel events. These findings suggest that encouraging engagement with stories of people in need by imagining helping can increase willingness to help during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Dawn Ryan
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hu X, Tong S. Effects of Robot Animacy and Emotional Expressions on Perspective-Taking Abilities: A Comparative Study across Age Groups. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:728. [PMID: 37754006 PMCID: PMC10525100 DOI: 10.3390/bs13090728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The global population is inevitably aging due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates, leading to an amplified demand for innovative social and healthcare services. One promising avenue is the introduction of companion robots. These robots are designed to provide physical assistance as well as emotional support and companionship, necessitating effective human-robot interaction (HRI). This study explores the role of cognitive empathy within HRI, focusing on the influence of robot facial animacy and emotional expressions on perspective-taking abilities-a key aspect of cognitive empathy-across different age groups. To this end, a director task involving 60 participants (30 young and 30 older adults) with varying degrees of robot facial animacy (0%, 50%, 100%) and emotional expressions (happy, neutral) was conducted. The results revealed that older adults displayed enhanced perspective-taking with higher animacy faces. Interestingly, while happiness on high-animacy faces improved perspective-taking, the same expression on low-animacy faces reduced it. These findings highlight the importance of considering facial animacy and emotional expressions in designing companion robots for older adults to optimize user engagement and acceptance. The study's implications are pertinent to the design and development of socially effective service robots, particularly for the aging population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Hu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China;
| | - Song Tong
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mwilambwe-Tshilobo L, Setton R, Bzdok D, Turner GR, Spreng RN. Age differences in functional brain networks associated with loneliness and empathy. Netw Neurosci 2023; 7:496-521. [PMID: 37397888 PMCID: PMC10312262 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is associated with differences in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) within and between large-scale networks in early- and middle-aged adult cohorts. However, age-related changes in associations between sociality and brain function into late adulthood are not well understood. Here, we examined age differences in the association between two dimensions of sociality-loneliness and empathic responding-and RSFC of the cerebral cortex. Self-report measures of loneliness and empathy were inversely related across the entire sample of younger (mean age = 22.6y, n = 128) and older (mean age = 69.0y, n = 92) adults. Using multivariate analyses of multi-echo fMRI RSFC, we identified distinct functional connectivity patterns for individual and age group differences associated with loneliness and empathic responding. Loneliness in young and empathy in both age groups was related to greater visual network integration with association networks (e.g., default, fronto-parietal control). In contrast, loneliness was positively related to within- and between-network integration of association networks for older adults. These results extend our previous findings in early- and middle-aged cohorts, demonstrating that brain systems associated with loneliness, as well as empathy, differ in older age. Further, the findings suggest that these two aspects of social experience engage different neurocognitive processes across human life-span development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Mwilambwe-Tshilobo
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Roni Setton
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danilo Bzdok
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila–Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gary R. Turner
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R. Nathan Spreng
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Campos C, Rocha NB, Barbosa F. Dissociating cognitive and affective empathy across psychopathy dimensions: The role of interoception and alexithymia. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1082965. [PMID: 37457066 PMCID: PMC10345207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1082965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the associations between psychopathy dimensions (triarchic phenotypes and classical factors), empathy domains (cognitive and affective), and interoception (interoceptive attention and accuracy) while accounting for the putative role of alexithymia. A community sample (n = 515) completed an online survey encompassing: Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (boldness, meanness, disinhibition); Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (primary and secondary psychopathy); Body Perception Questionnaire (interoceptive attention); Interoceptive Accuracy Scale; Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Hierarchical linear regression models were implemented for hypothesis-driven analyses examining the associations between psychopathy, empathy, and interoception while controlling for sex, age, and alexithymia. Exploratory path models were employed to investigate alexithymia and/or cognitive empathy as mediators between interoception and psychopathy. Our results largely confirmed the postulated empathy profiles across psychopathy dimensions, as meanness and primary psychopathy displayed a broad empathy impairment, while disinhibition and secondary psychopathy were only associated with diminished cognitive empathy. Importantly, boldness displayed a unique pattern (enhanced cognitive empathy and reduced affective empathy), further reinforcing its importance within the constellation of psychopathy traits. Contrary to our hypotheses, self-perceived interoceptive attention and accuracy were not associated with either psychopathy dimension after controlling for alexithymia. However, interoceptive accuracy and alexithymia were associated with cognitive empathy, while alexithymia was also positively related to all psychopathy dimensions (as expected), despite the unexpected strong and negative association with boldness. Exploratory analyses suggested significant indirect effects (mediation) between interoceptive accuracy and psychopathy via alexithymia and/or cognitive empathy. These mediating effects must be interpreted with caution and future studies should be designed to formally test this model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Neurocognition Group|LabRP, School of Health, Center for Rehabilitation Research, Polytechnic University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Barbosa Rocha
- School of Health, Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, Polytechnic University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ryan AD, Smitko R, Campbell KL. Effect of situation similarity on younger and older adults' episodic simulation of helping behaviours. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9167. [PMID: 37280280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36189-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar cognitive processes enable us to remember the past (i.e., episodic memory) and simulate future events (i.e., episodic simulation). In the current study, we demonstrate an important role for previous experience when younger and older adults simulate future behaviours. Participants read short descriptions of a person in need of help in scenarios that were more familiar to either younger or older adults (e.g., dealing with dating apps vs writing a cheque). Participants either imagined helping the person or thought about the style of the story (control task), and then rated their willingness to help, scene vividness, emotional concern, and subjective use of theory of mind. Hierarchical mixed effect modelling revealed that both episodic simulation and one's previous experience increased willingness to help, in that participants were more willing to help if they imagined helping and the situation was more familiar to them. Further, in simulated scenarios the relationship between previous experience and willingness to help was mediated by scene vividness and perspective-taking in younger adults, but only by perspective-taking in older adults. Taken together, these findings suggest that situation similarity and episodic simulation increase willingness to help, possibly via different mechanisms in younger and older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Dawn Ryan
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Ronald Smitko
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Karen L Campbell
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ramsey A, Govind T, Lam JA, Palmer BW, Jeste DV, Lee EE. Self-compassion, but not compassion toward others, is associated with better physical health: A cross-sectional study. Schizophr Res 2023; 255:17-23. [PMID: 36940620 PMCID: PMC10881115 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Compassion is a modifiable construct that is associated with better physical health outcomes but, to our knowledge, has seldom been studied in people with schizophrenia (PwS) despite its applicability to counteract widespread depression in this community that might prevent positive health behaviors. We hypothesized that, compared to non-psychiatric comparison subjects (NCs), PwS would have lower compassion toward self (CTS), lower compassion toward others (CTO), and a positive association between compassion and health outcomes, such as physical wellbeing, comorbidities, and plasma hs-CRP. This cross-sectional study examined differences in physical health, CTS, and CTO in 189 PwS and 166 NCs. We used general linear models to analyze the relationship between compassion and health. As hypothesized, PwS had lower levels of CTS and CTO, worse physical well-being, more comorbidities, and higher levels of plasma hs-CRP than NCs. In the combined sample, higher CTS was significantly associated with better physical well-being and fewer comorbidities, while higher CTO was significantly associated with more comorbidities. In PwS alone, higher CTS was significantly associated with better physical well-being and lower levels of hs-CRP. CTS seemed to have a larger positive association with physical health than CTO, with depression acting as a potential mediator for CTS. Exploring effects of CTS interventions on physical health and health behaviors could be a promising next step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arren Ramsey
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tushara Govind
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Lam
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Barton W Palmer
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System MIRECC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ellen E Lee
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dinoff A, Lynch S, Hameed AS, Koestler J, Ferrando SJ, Klepacz L. When Did the Empathy Die?: Examining the Correlation Between Length of Medical Training and Level of Empathy. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2023; 33:489-497. [PMID: 37251206 PMCID: PMC10020755 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-023-01768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Empathy is an important skill for physicians as it can lead to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. This study assessed self-reported empathy by medical students across all four years of medical school and potential differences in empathy across students interested in different subspecialties. Method All medical students enrolled at New York Medical College in August 2020 were invited to participate in this study. Participants completed the student version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Results A total of 179 medical students participated. Mean empathy score in fourth-year students was significantly lower than that in first-year students. Mean empathy score was greatest among students interested in Pediatrics and was greater in participants who identified as women. Conclusions Self-reported empathy may be lower in upper-year medical students when compared to lower-year students. The potential reasons for lower empathy in the later years of training are discussed. A systematic curriculum for teaching and maintaining empathy should be developed and uniformly implemented across medical schools to combat a potential decline in empathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Dinoff
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
| | - Sean Lynch
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, 9 Nathan D Perlman Pl, New York, NY 10003 USA
| | | | - Jennifer Koestler
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
| | - Stephen J. Ferrando
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Valhalla, USA
| | - Lidia Klepacz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Valhalla, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Caldo D, Bologna S, Conte L, Amin MS, Anselma L, Basile V, Hossain MM, Mazzei A, Heritier P, Ferracini R, Kon E, De Nunzio G. Machine learning algorithms distinguish discrete digital emotional fingerprints for web pages related to back pain. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4654. [PMID: 36944759 PMCID: PMC10030566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31741-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Its emergence relates not only to the musculoskeletal degeneration biological substrate but also to psychosocial factors; emotional components play a pivotal role. In modern society, people are significantly informed by the Internet; in turn, they contribute social validation to a "successful" digital information subset in a dynamic interplay. The Affective component of medical pages has not been previously investigated, a significant gap in knowledge since they represent a critical biopsychosocial feature. We tested the hypothesis that successful pages related to spine pathology embed a consistent emotional pattern, allowing discrimination from a control group. The pool of web pages related to spine or hip/knee pathology was automatically selected by relevance and popularity and submitted to automated sentiment analysis to generate emotional patterns. Machine Learning (ML) algorithms were trained to predict page original topics from patterns with binary classification. ML showed high discrimination accuracy; disgust emerged as a discriminating emotion. The findings suggest that the digital affective "successful content" (collective consciousness) integrates patients' biopsychosocial ecosystem, with potential implications for the emergence of chronic pain, and the endorsement of health-relevant specific behaviors. Awareness of such effects raises practical and ethical issues for health information providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luana Conte
- Mathematics and Physics Department "Ennio de Giorgi", University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Luca Anselma
- Informatic Department, Turin University, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Heritier
- Digspes Department, Oriental Piedmont University, Alessandria, Italy
| | | | | | - Giorgio De Nunzio
- Mathematics and Physics Department "Ennio de Giorgi", University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fashami FM, Nili M, Mottaghi M, Farahani AV. Measuring Empathy in Iranian Pharmacy Students Using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Student Version. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2023; 87:ajpe8687. [PMID: 35470168 PMCID: PMC10159512 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe8687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To assess validity of the Farsi-translated version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Student version (JSE-HPS) and measure empathy scores of Iranian pharmacy students.Methods. The JSE-HPS questionnaire was administered to 504 Iranian pharmacy students in 2019. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used to explore the underlying components and construct validity. Group comparisons of the empathy scores and the underlying components were conducted using statistical tests.Results. Based on 496 useable survey questionnaires, three domains of empathy among Iranian pharmacy students were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis: compassionate care, perspective taking, and standing in a patient's shoes. Two items in the JSE-HPS were removed, as their factor loadings were under the permissible limits in exploratory factor analysis. Empathy scores were significantly higher among female pharmacy students.Conclusion. These findings support the validity and reliability of the Farsi version of the JSE-HPS among Iranian pharmacy students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Mirzayeh Fashami
- McMaster University, Department of Health Research Methods Evidence and Impact, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mona Nili
- West Virginia University, School of Pharmacy, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | | | - Ali Vasheghani Farahani
- Tehran University of Medical Science, Pharmaceutical Management and Economics Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baez-Lugo S, Deza-Araujo YI, Maradan C, Collette F, Lutz A, Marchant NL, Chételat G, Vuilleumier P, Klimecki O. Exposure to negative socio-emotional events induces sustained alteration of resting-state brain networks in older adults. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:105-120. [PMID: 37118519 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Basic emotional functions seem well preserved in older adults. However, their reactivity to and recovery from socially negative events remain poorly characterized. To address this, we designed a 'task-rest' paradigm in which 182 participants from two independent experiments underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while exposed to socio-emotional videos. Experiment 1 (N = 55) validated the task in young and older participants and unveiled age-dependent effects on brain activity and connectivity that predominated in resting periods after (rather than during) negative social scenes. Crucially, emotional elicitation potentiated subsequent resting-state connectivity between default mode network and amygdala exclusively in older adults. Experiment 2 replicated these results in a large older adult cohort (N = 127) and additionally showed that emotion-driven changes in posterior default mode network-amygdala connectivity were associated with anxiety, rumination and negative thoughts. These findings uncover the neural dynamics of empathy-related functions in older adults and help understand its relationship to poor social stress recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Baez-Lugo
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Yacila I Deza-Araujo
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christel Maradan
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Collette
- GIGA-CRC In Vivo Imaging Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Antoine Lutz
- EDUWELL team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre (INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Lyon 1 University), Lyon, France
| | | | - Gaël Chételat
- Université Normandie, Inserm, Université de Caen-Normandie, Inserm UMR-S U1237, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Patrik Vuilleumier
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Laboratory for Behavioral Neurology and Imaging of Cognition, Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Olga Klimecki
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cho I, Cunningham TJ, Daley RT, Kensinger EA, Gutchess A. Empathy, memory, and aging during the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT RESEARCH IN ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 4:100105. [PMID: 37091210 PMCID: PMC10110281 DOI: 10.1016/j.cresp.2023.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there has been increasing attention to the interaction between empathy and memory. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when empathy played a key role in people's behaviors, we assessed the relationship between empathy and memory. In this pre-registered report, we used memory accuracy for the number of COVID-19 cases as a measure of recent memory and examined its relationship with trait empathy. Moreover, we investigated whether cognitive vs. affective empathy differently associate with one's memory for the number of COVID-19 cases, given evidence for distinct mechanisms for the two aspects of empathy. Finally, we assessed how age is related to empathy-memory associations. To address these questions, we used the Boston College COVID-19 Dataset, which included surveys assessing dispositional empathy and memory for the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases during the first wave of the pandemic. Empathy was not associated with memory accuracy for the confirmed cases when using an empathy measure that combined both cognitive and affective empathy. However, when using a measure that separately assessed cognitive and affective empathy, only affective empathy, specifically the personal distress subscale, was associated with greater memory accuracy. There was no age-related difference in memory accuracy despite age-related decreases in affective empathy. Results suggest that individuals with greater affective empathy (i.e., greater tendency to feel discomfort by the suffering of others) can have more accurate memory for details of an ongoing empathy-evoking situation. Findings are discussed in the context of motivation and emotional arousal. The current study provides ecological evidence to corroborate the interplay of empathy and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isu Cho
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Tony J Cunningham
- Center for Sleep and Cognition, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan T Daley
- Department of Psychology, Gordon College, Wenham, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | | | - Angela Gutchess
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gigi A, Papirovitz M. Theory of mind in older adults: the nature of the decline. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2022:1-6. [PMID: 36458438 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2150973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Successful social interaction depends (among others) on one's ability to understand other people's emotional states (known as "affective-Theory-of-Mind"; aToM). A decline in this ability could be associated with changes in awareness with age. Awareness can be estimated by comparing one's subjective and objective abilities. Here we explored the sequence of changes in aToM with age, with reference to objective and subjective capacities. One hundred and eight participants were divided into three age groups: young (18-39), adults (60-69), and elders' group (70-86). Objective aToM performance was assessed using the Frith-Happé animation task (including meaningful and meaningless interactions). The subjective performance was evaluated by a Short Subjective ToM Questionnaire (sToM10). The results in the animation task showed reduction in the ability to correctly categorize meaningless interaction among the adult participants (compared to young) and a further decrease in the ability to correctly categorize meaningful interactions among the elderly participants (compared to young participants). Subjective aToM results revealed that while older participants reported a reduction in general ability to infer feelings in others, they could not report a decrease in their ability to recognize specific feelings. Our results may indicate a unique characteristic of aToM decline, which may start in adults (60-69; only reflected when the social demands are high) and further aggravates as people grow older (70th and above). In addition, results of the self-report questionnaire may indicate that while the elders are fully aware of their general decline in aToM ability, awareness of their capability to identify specific emotions is impaired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariela Gigi
- Psychology Department, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vieira JB, Pierzchajlo S, Jangard S, Marsh AA, Olsson A. Acute anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher levels of everyday altruism. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18619. [PMID: 36329157 PMCID: PMC9632580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23415-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior laboratory research has suggested that humans may become more prosocial in stressful or threatening situations, but it is unknown whether the link between prosociality and defense generalizes to real-life. Here, we examined the association between defensive responses to a real-world threat (the COVID-19 pandemic) and everyday altruism. Four independent samples of 150 (N = 600) US residents were recruited online at 4 different timepoints, and self-report measures of perceived COVID-19 threat, defensive emotions (e.g., stress and anxiety), and everyday altruism were collected. Our operationalization of defensive emotions was inspired by the threat imminence framework, an ecological model of how humans and animals respond to varying levels of threat. We found that perceived COVID-19 threat was associated with higher levels of everyday altruism (assessed by the Self-report Altruism scale). Importantly, there was a robust association between experiencing acute anxiety and high physiological arousal during the pandemic (responses typically characteristic of higher perceived threat imminence), and propensity to engage in everyday altruism. Non-significant or negative associations were found with less acute defensive responses like stress. These findings support a real-life relation between defensive and altruistic motivation in humans, which may be modulated by perceived threat imminence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana B. Vieira
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK ,grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephen Pierzchajlo
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon Jangard
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Abigail A. Marsh
- grid.213910.80000 0001 1955 1644Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Andreas Olsson
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gourlay C, Collin P, D'Auteuil C, Jacques M, Caron PO, Scherzer PB. Age differences in social-cognitive abilities across the stages of adulthood and path model investigation of adult social cognition. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2022; 29:1033-1067. [PMID: 34355998 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2021.1962789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence points toward an association between older age and performance decrements in social cognition (SC). We explored age-related variations in four components of SC: emotion recognition, theory of mind, social judgment, and blame attributions. A total of 120 adults divided into three stages (18-34 years, 35-59 years, 60-85 years) completed a battery of SC. Between and within age-group differences in SC were investigated. Path analyses were used to identify relationships among the components. Emotion recognition and theory of mind showed differences beginning either in midlife, or after. Blame attributions and social judgment did not show a significant difference. However, social judgment varied significantly within groups. Path models revealed a relationship between emotion recognition and theory of mind. Findings highlight age-related differences in some components and a link between two components. Strategies promoting social functioning in aging might help to maintain or improve these abilities over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Gourlay
- Département De Psychologie, Université Du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pascal Collin
- Département De Psychologie, Université Du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Camille D'Auteuil
- Département De Psychologie, Université Du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie Jacques
- Département De Psychologie, Université Du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Peter B Scherzer
- Département De Psychologie, Université Du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hoang P, King JA, Moore S, Moore K, Reich K, Sidhu H, Tan CV, Whaley C, McMillan J. Interventions Associated With Reduced Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2236676. [PMID: 36251294 PMCID: PMC9577679 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Loneliness and social isolation are public health concerns faced by older adults due to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that develop with aging. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE To evaluate interventions, targeting older adults, associated with a reduction in loneliness and social isolation. DATA SOURCES OVID, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2020. STUDY SELECTION Peer-reviewed randomized clinical trials measuring loneliness and social isolation or support in adults aged 65 years or older. Only English language articles were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects models were performed to pool the overall effect size by intervention. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic and by estimating prediction intervals. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to September 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Quantitative measures of loneliness, social isolation, or social support based on an effect size of standardized mean differences. RESULTS Seventy studies were included in the systematic review (8259 participants); 44 studies were included in the loneliness meta-analysis (33 in the community with 3535 participants; 11 in long-term care with 1057 participants), with participants' ages ranging from 55 to 100 years. Study sizes ranged from 8 to 741 participants. Interventions included animal therapy, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, multicomponent, counseling, exercise, music therapy, occupational therapy, reminiscence therapy, social interventions, and technological interventions. Most interventions had a small effect size. Animal therapy in long-term care, when accounting for studies with no active controls, had the largest effect size on loneliness reduction (-1.86; 95% CI, -3.14 to -0.59; I2 = 86%) followed by technological interventions (videoconferencing) in long-term care (-1.40; 95% CI, -2.37 to -0.44; I2 = 70%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, animal therapy and technology in long-term care had large effect sizes, but also high heterogeneity, so the effect size's magnitude should be interpreted with caution. The small number of studies per intervention limits conclusions on sources of heterogeneity. Overall quality of evidence was very low. Future studies should consider measures of social isolation in long-term care and identify the contextual components that are associated with a reduction in loneliness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hoang
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James A. King
- Alberta Strategy for Patient Oriented Research Support Unit Data Platform, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Data and Analytics, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah Moore
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kim Moore
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Krista Reich
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Harman Sidhu
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chin Vern Tan
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colin Whaley
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline McMillan
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Grainger SA, Crawford JD, Riches JC, Kochan NA, Chander RJ, Mather KA, Sachdev PS, Henry JD. Aging Is Associated With Multidirectional Changes in Social Cognition: Findings From an Adult Life-Span Sample Ranging From 18 to 101 Years. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 78:62-72. [PMID: 35985278 PMCID: PMC9890910 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Normal adult aging is associated with changes in social cognition. Although 4 social cognitive domains have been identified (social perception, theory of mind [ToM], affective empathy, and social behavior), no study has tested all 4 domains concurrently in a life-span sample, limiting understanding of the relative magnitude of age-related changes across domains. This study addresses this gap by providing the first assessment of all 4 social cognitive domains in an adult life-span sample. METHODS Three hundred and seventy-two participants ranging from 18 to 101 years of age took part in this study. Participants completed a testing battery that assessed social perception, ToM, affective empathy, and social behavior, as well as broader cognitive function and well-being. RESULTS The results showed that adult aging is associated with multidirectional changes in social cognitive abilities, with ToM and social perception showing nonlinear decline across much of the life-span, and affective empathy and social behavior showing improvement. Age remained a significant predictor of all 4 social cognitive domains, even after accounting for broader cognitive function. Weak associations emerged between some of the social cognitive abilities and and indices of broader well-being. DISCUSSION These findings provide novel and important evidence that normative aging is associated with both gains and losses in social cognition that occur at distinct points of the adult life-span, and that are at least partially independent of general age-related cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Grainger
- Address correspondence to: Sarah A. Grainger, PhD, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. E-mail:
| | - John D Crawford
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Nicole A Kochan
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Russell J Chander
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen A Mather
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, Australia
| | - Perminder S Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Princes of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie D Henry
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social cognition is impaired in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. However, its relationship to social functioning and perceived social support has yet to be explored. Here, we examine how theory of mind (ToM) relates to social functioning in MCI and dementia. METHODS Older adults (cognitively normal = 1272; MCI = 132; dementia = 23) from the PATH Through Life project, a longitudinal, population-based study, were assessed on the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), measures of social functioning, and social well-being. The associations between RMET performance, social functioning, and cognitive status were analysed using generalised linear models, adjusting for demographic variables. RESULTS Participants with MCI (b=-.52, 95% CI [-.70, -.33]) and dementia (b=-.78, 95% CI [-1.22, -.34]) showed poorer RMET performance than cognitively normal participants. Participants with MCI and dementia reported reduced social network size (b=-.21, 95% CI [-.40, -.02] and b=-.90, 95% CI [-1.38, -.42], respectively) and participants with dementia reported increased loneliness (b = .36, 95% CI [.06, .67]). In dementia, poorer RMET performance was associated with increased loneliness (b=-.07, 95% CI [-.14, -.00]) and a trend for negative interactions with partners (b=-.37, 95% CI [-.74, .00]), but no significant associations were found in MCI. CONCLUSIONS MCI and dementia were associated with poor self-reported social function. ToM deficits were related to poor social function in dementia but not MCI. Findings highlight the importance of interventions to address social cognitive deficits in persons with dementia and education of support networks to facilitate positive interactions and social well-being.
Collapse
|
30
|
Investigating the Relationship between Facial Mimicry and Empathy. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12080250. [PMID: 35892350 PMCID: PMC9330546 DOI: 10.3390/bs12080250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial expressions play a key role in interpersonal communication when it comes to negotiating our emotions and intentions, as well as interpreting those of others. Research has shown that we can connect to other people better when we exhibit signs of empathy and facial mimicry. However, the relationship between empathy and facial mimicry is still debated. Among the factors contributing to the difference in results across existing studies is the use of different instruments for measuring both empathy and facial mimicry, as well as often ignoring the differences across various demographic groups. This study first looks at the differences in the empathetic abilities of people across different demographic groups based on gender, ethnicity and age. The empathetic ability is measured based on the Empathy Quotient, capturing a balanced representation of both emotional and cognitive empathy. Using statistical and machine learning methods, this study then investigates the correlation between the empathetic ability and facial mimicry of subjects in response to images portraying different emotions displayed on a computer screen. Unlike the existing studies measuring facial mimicry using electromyography, this study employs a technology detecting facial expressions based on video capture and deep learning. This choice was made in the context of increased online communication during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study confirm the previously reported difference in the empathetic ability between females and males. However, no significant difference in empathetic ability was found across different age and ethnic groups. Furthermore, no strong correlation was found between empathy and facial reactions to faces portraying different emotions shown on a computer screen. Overall, the results of this study can be used to inform the design of online communication technologies and tools for training empathy team leaders, educators, social and healthcare providers.
Collapse
|
31
|
Hsu JH, Tan CH, Yu RL. Impact of catechol-O-methyltransferase genetic polymorphisms and age on empathy. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
32
|
Msika EF, Ehrlé N, Gaston-Bellegarde A, Orriols E, Piolino P, Narme P. Using a Computer-Based Virtual Environment to Assess Social Cognition in Aging: An Exploratory Study of the REALSoCog Task. Front Psychol 2022; 13:882165. [PMID: 35664139 PMCID: PMC9157049 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.882165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous studies have suggested that some component processes of social cognition decline in normal aging, several methodological limitations can be pointed out. Traditional sociocognitive tasks assess processes separately and lack ecological validity. In the present study, the main aim was to propose an integrative social cognition assessment in normal aging using an original computer-based task developed in non-immersive virtual reality. Forty-five young adults (YA) and 50 older adults (OA) were asked to navigate in a simulated city environment and to judge several situations that they encountered. These situations investigated social norms by displaying control or (conventional/moral) transgressions. Following each situation, the participants were asked several questions in order to assess their ability to make moral judgments, affective and cognitive theory of mind, emotional reactivity and empathy, and the propensity to act in a socially appropriate or inappropriate way. The main results showed (i) a preserved ability to detect moral and conventional transgressions with advancing age; (ii) participants’ preserved cognitive ToM abilities; (iii) an age-related decline in affective ToM, that disappeared when the victim was a senior; (iv) preserved emotional reactivity and emotional empathy in normal aging; (v) an increase in inappropriate behavioral intentions in normal aging. Offering more naturalistic conditions, this new task is an interesting integrative measure of sociocognitive functioning to better reflect social behavior in daily living.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Flore Msika
- MC2Lab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Ehrlé
- MC2Lab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Service de Neurologie, CHRU Maison-Blanche, Reims, France
| | | | - Eric Orriols
- MC2Lab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- MC2Lab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Narme
- MC2Lab (UR 7536), Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hansen T, Blekesaune M. The age and well-being "paradox": a longitudinal and multidimensional reconsideration. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:1277-1286. [PMID: 36692755 PMCID: PMC9729496 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00709-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper explores qualifications to the much-discussed paradox that although aging is associated with multiple physical and social losses, subjective well-being (SWB) is stable or increasing in later life. We explore age-related changes in cognitive, affective, and eudaimonic dimensions in three waves of data spanning up to 15 years from the Norwegian NorLAG study (N = 4,944, age 40 - 95). We employ fixed-effect models to examine the nature and predictors of aging effects on SWB. Results indicate a general pattern of stability well into older age, but negative changes in advanced age across well-being measures. Declines in SWB are less pronounced and with a later onset for the cognitive compared with the other measures. Loss of health, a partner, and friends are robust predictors of declining SWB. Women report both more negative affect and engagement than men, and these differences increase with age. In conclusion, while increasing SWB from midlife to the mid-70 s attests to the adaptive behaviors and coping resources of young-old adults, the significant downturns in SWB in advanced age point to limits to psychological adjustment when health-related and social threats and constraints intensify.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hansen
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Department of Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway ,grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Promenta Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Blekesaune
- grid.23048.3d0000 0004 0417 6230University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ziaei M, Oestreich L, Persson J, Reutens DC, Ebner NC. Neural correlates of affective empathy in aging: A multimodal imaging and multivariate approach. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2022; 29:577-598. [PMID: 35156904 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2022.2036684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Empathy is one such social-cognitive capacity that undergoes age-related change. C urrently, however, not well understood is the structural and functional neurocircuitry underlying age-related differences in empathy. This study aimed to delineate brain structural and functional networks that subserve affective empathic response in younger and older adults using a modified version of the Multifaceted Empathy Task to both positive and negative emotions. Combining multimodal neuroimaging with multivariate partial least square analysis resulted in two novel findings in older but not younger adults: (a) faster empathic responding to negative emotions was related to greater fractional anisotropy of the anterior cingulum and greater functional activity of the anterior cingulate network; (b) however, empathic responding to positive emotions was related to greater fractional anisotropy of the posterior cingulum and greater functional activity of the posterior cingulate network. Such differentiation of structural and functional networks might have critical implications for prosocial behavior and social connections among older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ziaei
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Jebsen Centre for Alzheimer's Diseases, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lena Oestreich
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jonas Persson
- Center for Lifespan Developmental Research, School of Law, Psychology and Social Work, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David C Reutens
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pollerhoff L, Stietz J, Depow GJ, Inzlicht M, Kanske P, Li SC, Reiter AMF. Investigating adult age differences in real-life empathy, prosociality, and well-being using experience sampling. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3450. [PMID: 35236872 PMCID: PMC8891267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While the importance of social affect and cognition is indisputable throughout the adult lifespan, findings of how empathy and prosociality develop and interact across adulthood are mixed and real-life data are scarce. Research using ecological momentary assessment recently demonstrated that adults commonly experience empathy in daily life. Furthermore, experiencing empathy was linked to higher prosocial behavior and subjective well-being. However, to date, it is not clear whether there are adult age differences in daily empathy and daily prosociality and whether age moderates the relationship between empathy and prosociality across adulthood. Here we analyzed experience-sampling data collected from participants across the adult lifespan to study age effects on empathy, prosocial behavior, and well-being under real-life circumstances. Linear and quadratic age effects were found for the experience of empathy, with increased empathy across the three younger age groups (18 to 45 years) and a slight decrease in the oldest group (55 years and older). Neither prosocial behavior nor well-being showed significant age-related differences. We discuss these findings with respect to (partially discrepant) results derived from lab-based and traditional survey studies. We conclude that studies linking in-lab experiments with real-life experience-sampling may be a promising venue for future lifespan studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Pollerhoff
- Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Julia Stietz
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Michael Inzlicht
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shu-Chen Li
- Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrea M F Reiter
- Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- German Centre of Prevention Research On Mental Health, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Montembeault M, Brando E, Charest K, Tremblay A, Roger É, Duquette P, Rouleau I. Multimodal emotion perception in young and elderly patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 58:103478. [PMID: 35033840 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest that emotion recognition and empathy are impaired in patients with MS (pwMS). Nonetheless, most studies are restricted to young samples, to facial emotion recognition and to self-report assessments of empathy. The aims of this study are to determine the impact of MS and age on multimodal emotion recognition (facial emotions and vocal emotional bursts) and on socioemotional sensitivity (as reported by the participants and their informants). We also aim to investigate the associations between emotion recognition, socioemotional sensitivity, and cognitive measures. METHODS We recruited 13 young healthy controls (HC), 14 young pwMS, 14 elderly HC and 15 elderly pwMS. They underwent a short neuropsychological battery, an experimental emotion recognition task including facial emotions and vocal emotional bursts. Both participants and their study informants completed the Revised-Self Monitoring Scale (RSMS) to assess the participant's socioemotional sensitivity. RESULTS There was a significant effect of age and group on recognition of both facial emotions and emotional vocal bursts, HC performing significantly better than pwMS, and young participants performing better than elderly participants (no interaction effect). The same effects were observed on self-reported socioemotional sensitivity. However, lower socioemotional sensitivity in pwMS was not reported by the informants. Finally, multimodal emotion recognition did not correlate with socioemotional sensitivity, but it correlated with global cognitive severity. CONCLUSION PwMS present with multimodal emotion perception deficits. Our results extend previous findings of decreased emotion perception and empathy to a group of elderly pwMS, in which advancing age does not accentuate these deficits. However, the decreased socioemotional sensitivity reported by pwMS does not appear to be observed by their relatives, nor to correlate with their emotion perception impairments. Future studies should investigate the real-life impacts of emotion perception deficits in pwMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Montembeault
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California in San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 190, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Estefania Brando
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montreal QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Kim Charest
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montreal QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Alexandra Tremblay
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montreal QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Élaine Roger
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3H8, Canada
| | - Pierre Duquette
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3H8, Canada
| | - Isabelle Rouleau
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montreal QC H3C 3P8, Canada; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3H8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sommerlad A, Huntley J, Livingston G, Rankin KP, Fancourt D. Empathy and its associations with age and sociodemographic characteristics in a large UK population sample. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257557. [PMID: 34543334 PMCID: PMC8452078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Empathy is fundamental to social cognition, driving prosocial behaviour and mental health but associations with aging and other socio-demographic characteristics are unclear. We therefore aimed to characterise associations of these characteristics with two main self-reported components of empathy, namely empathic-concern (feeling compassion) and perspective-taking (understanding others' perspective). METHODS We asked participants in an internet-based survey of UK-dwelling adults aged ≥18 years to complete the Interpersonal Reactivity Index subscales measuring empathic concern and perspective taking, and sociodemographic and personality questionnaires. We weighted the sample to be UK population representative and employed multivariable weighted linear regression models. RESULTS In 30,033 respondents, mean empathic concern score was 3.86 (95% confidence interval 3.85, 3.88) and perspective taking was 3.57 (3.56. 3.59); the correlation between these sub-scores was 0.45 (p < 0.001). Empathic concern and perspective taking followed an inverse-u shape trajectory in women with peak between 40 and 50 years whereas in men, perspective taking declines with age but empathic concern increases. In fully adjusted models, greater empathic concern was associated with female gender, non-white ethnicity, having more education, working in health, social-care, or childcare professions, and having higher neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience and agreeableness traits. Perspective taking was associated with younger age, female gender, more education, employment in health or social-care, neuroticism, openness, and agreeableness. CONCLUSIONS Empathic compassion and understanding are distinct dimensions of empathy with differential demographic associations. Perspective taking may decline due to cognitive inflexibility with older age whereas empathic concern increases in older men suggesting it is socially-driven.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sommerlad
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Huntley
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine P. Rankin
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tusche A, Bas LM. Neurocomputational models of altruistic decision-making and social motives: Advances, pitfalls, and future directions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2021; 12:e1571. [PMID: 34340256 PMCID: PMC9286344 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses insights from computational models and social neuroscience into motivations, precursors, and mechanisms of altruistic decision-making and other-regard. We introduce theoretical and methodological tools for researchers who wish to adopt a multilevel, computational approach to study behaviors that promote others' welfare. Using examples from recent studies, we outline multiple mental and neural processes relevant to altruism. To this end, we integrate evidence from neuroimaging, psychology, economics, and formalized mathematical models. We introduce basic mechanisms-pertinent to a broad range of value-based decisions-and social emotions and cognitions commonly recruited when our decisions involve other people. Regarding the latter, we discuss how decomposing distinct facets of social processes can advance altruistic models and the development of novel, targeted interventions. We propose that an accelerated synthesis of computational approaches and social neuroscience represents a critical step towards a more comprehensive understanding of altruistic decision-making. We discuss the utility of this approach to study lifespan differences in social preference in late adulthood, a crucial future direction in aging global populations. Finally, we review potential pitfalls and recommendations for researchers interested in applying a computational approach to their research. This article is categorized under: Economics > Interactive Decision-Making Psychology > Emotion and Motivation Neuroscience > Cognition Economics > Individual Decision-Making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Tusche
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Ontario, Kingston, Canada.,Department of Economics, Queen's University, Ontario, Kingston, Canada.,Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Lisa M Bas
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Ontario, Kingston, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rovithis M, Koukouli S, Fouskis A, Giannakaki I, Giakoumaki K, Linardakis M, Moudatsou M, Stavropoulou A. Empathy and Mobile Phone Dependence in Nursing: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Public Hospital of the Island of Crete, Greece. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9080975. [PMID: 34442112 PMCID: PMC8393332 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9080975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between empathy and mobile phone dependence levels of the nursing staff in a public hospital in the island of Crete, using a cross-sectional study design. Data from 109 staff nurses and healthcare assistants (HCAs) were collected via the Greek version of the Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the correlation between empathy and mobile phone dependency. The total mean score for TEQ was 33.9 (±5.7). Accordingly, the total mean score for MPDQ was 22.9 (±6.1). High mobile phone dependence was found in 4.7% of the participants. A statistically significant difference was found between HCAs and staff nurses, with HCAs presenting a higher mean empathy levels (TEQ) (36.5 vs. 32.6) and lower dependence levels (MPDQ) (18.9 vs. 24.5) than staff nurses. A significant correlation between empathy and dependence was found between dependence and the altruism empathy subscale, with higher dependence being correlated with lower altruism. The participants’ levels of empathy do not seem to be affected by mobile phone dependence. However, empathy appears to be strongly determined by increased age and professional status. Nurses’ dependence on mobile phones is a complex phenomenon that requires attention. Educational programs on empathy and information on the proper use of mobile phones by the nursing staff should be provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rovithis
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Gianni Kornarou, Estavromenos 1, 714 10 Heraklion, Greece; (M.R.); (A.F.); (I.G.); (K.G.)
| | - Sofia Koukouli
- Department of Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Gianni Kornarou, Estavromenos 1, 714 10 Heraklion, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| | - Aristidis Fouskis
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Gianni Kornarou, Estavromenos 1, 714 10 Heraklion, Greece; (M.R.); (A.F.); (I.G.); (K.G.)
| | - Ioulia Giannakaki
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Gianni Kornarou, Estavromenos 1, 714 10 Heraklion, Greece; (M.R.); (A.F.); (I.G.); (K.G.)
| | - Kleanthi Giakoumaki
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Gianni Kornarou, Estavromenos 1, 714 10 Heraklion, Greece; (M.R.); (A.F.); (I.G.); (K.G.)
| | - Manolis Linardakis
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Andrea Kalokerinou 13, Giofirakia, 715 00 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Maria Moudatsou
- Department of Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Gianni Kornarou, Estavromenos 1, 714 10 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Areti Stavropoulou
- Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 122 43 Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Behm DG, Carter TB. Empathetic Factors and Influences on Physical Performance: A Topical Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:686262. [PMID: 34335399 PMCID: PMC8316856 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.686262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Performance is dependent upon both physical and psychological factors. As a social animal, human behaviors are influenced by interactions with others. Empathy is based on social interactions and is defined as the understanding, awareness of, sensitivity to, and ability to vicariously experience the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another. There are few investigations on the influence of empathy in relation to individual and team performance and activity. There is some initial research suggesting that observing sad photos or videos or fatiguing exercise can adversely affect subsequent performance. Possible mechanisms may be attributed to mirror neurons or the affordance competition hypothesis. The relative degree of empathetic influences can be modulated by sex, age, personal familiarity, cultures and other factors. With the limited research in sport and exercise science, there is a need for more research to investigate the role of empathy on individual and team performances. The objective of this topical review was to examine the possible effects of empathy on physical performance, the potential underlying mechanisms and influencing variables moderating the association between empathy and performance?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David G Behm
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Tori B Carter
- School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Compassion toward others and self-compassion predict mental and physical well-being: a 5-year longitudinal study of 1090 community-dwelling adults across the lifespan. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:397. [PMID: 34282145 PMCID: PMC8287292 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the role of compassion in promoting health and well-being, with cross-sectional data showing an inverse correlation with loneliness. This is the first longitudinal study examining both compassion toward others (CTO) and compassion toward self (CTS) as predictors of mental and physical health outcomes including loneliness, across adult lifespan. We followed 552 women and 538 men in San Diego County for up to 7.5 (mean 4.8 and SD 2.2) years, using validated rating scales for CTO, CTS, and loneliness. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine age- and sex-related trajectories of CTO and CTS over time. Linear regression models were used to evaluate baseline and longitudinal relationships of CTO and CTS with mental well-being, physical well-being, and loneliness. CTS and CTO were weakly intercorrelated. Women had higher baseline CTO than men. While CTO was stable over time and across the lifespan, CTS scores had an inverse U-shaped relationship with age, peaking around age 77. There were significant baseline × slope interactions of both CTO and CTS predicting improvements in physical well-being in adults <60 years old. Increases in CTO and CTS predicted improvements in mental well-being. Higher baseline CTO and CTS as well as increases in CTO and CTS scores predicted lower loneliness scores at follow-up. Thus, CTO and CTS were associated with better mental well-being and loneliness across the adult lifespan, and physical well-being in younger adults, and are promising targets for interventions to improve health outcomes.
Collapse
|
42
|
Ziaei M, Oestreich L, Reutens DC, Ebner NC. Age-related differences in negative cognitive empathy but similarities in positive affective empathy. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:1823-1840. [PMID: 34037867 PMCID: PMC8203543 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Empathy, among other social-cognitive processes, changes across adulthood. More specifically, cognitive components of empathy (understanding another's perspective) appear to decline with age, while findings for affective empathy (sharing another's emotional state) are rather mixed. Structural and functional correlates underlying cognitive and affective empathy in aging and the extent to which valence affects empathic response in brain and behavior are not well understood yet. To fill these research gaps, younger and older adults completed a modified version of the Multifaceted Empathy Test, which measures both cognitive and affective empathy as well as empathic responding to both positive and negative stimuli (i.e., positive vs. negative empathy). Adopting a multimodal imaging approach and applying multivariate analysis, the study found that for cognitive empathy to negative emotions, regions of the salience network including the anterior insula and anterior cingulate were more involved in older than younger adults. For affective empathy to positive emotions, in contrast, younger and older adults recruited a similar brain network including main nodes of the default mode network. Additionally, increased structural microstructure (fractional anisotropy values) of the posterior cingulum bundle (right henisphere) was related to activation of default mode regions during affective empathy for positive emotions in both age groups. These findings provide novel insights into the functional networks subserving cognitive and affective empathy in younger and older adults and highlight the importance of considering valence in empathic response in aging research. Further this study, for the first time, underscores the role of the posterior cingulum bundle in higher-order social-cognitive processes such as empathy, specifically for positive emotions, in aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ziaei
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Lena Oestreich
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David C Reutens
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Florida, USA
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Florida, USA
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Problems with Social Cognition and Decision-Making in Huntington's Disease: Why Is it Important? Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070838. [PMID: 34202701 PMCID: PMC8301991 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease starts slowly and progresses over a 15–20 year period. Motor changes begin subtly, often going unnoticed by patients although they are typically visible to those close to them. At this point, it is the early non-motor problems of HD that arguably cause the most functional impairment. Approximately 65% of gene carriers will experience a reduction in their occupational level, and just under half will feel unable to manage their finances independently before a clinical diagnosis is made. Understanding what drives this impairment in activities of daily living is the key to helping people with HD to live more independently for longer, especially in early disease. Early cognitive decline is likely to play a contributory factor although few studies have looked directly at this relationship. Recently, it has been shown that along with the well documented dysexecutive syndrome seen in HD, changes in social cognition and decision-making are more common than previously thought. Furthermore, some of the early neuropathological and neurochemical changes seen in HD disrupt networks known to be involved in social functioning. In this review, we explore how HD changes the way individuals interact in a social world. Specifically, we summarise the literature on both classical and social decision-making (value-based decision-making in a social context) along with studies of theory of mind, empathy, alexithymia, and emotion recognition in HD. The literature specific to HD is discussed and supported by evidence from similar neurodegenerative disorders and healthy individuals to propose future directions and potential therapeutic avenues to be explored.
Collapse
|
44
|
Development and validation of film stimuli to assess empathy in the work context. Behav Res Methods 2021; 54:75-93. [PMID: 34100203 PMCID: PMC8863710 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01594-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of research suggests that empathy predicts important work outcomes, yet limitations in existing measures to assess empathy have been noted. Extending past work on the assessment of empathy, this study introduces a newly developed set of emotion-eliciting film clips that can be used to assess both cognitive (emotion perception) and affective (emotional congruence and sympathy) facets of empathy in vivo. Using the relived emotions paradigm, film protagonists were instructed to think aloud about an autobiographical, emotional event from working life and relive their emotions while being videotaped. Subsequently, protagonists were asked to provide self-reports of the intensity of their emotions during retelling their event. In a first study with 128 employees, who watched the film clips and rated their own as well as the protagonists’ emotions, we found that the film clips are effective in eliciting moderate levels of emotions as well as sympathy in the test taker and can be used to calculate reliable convergence scores of emotion perception and emotional congruence. Using a selected subset of six film clips, a second two-wave study with 99 employees revealed that all facet-specific measures of empathy had moderate-to-high internal consistencies and test–retest reliabilities, and correlated in expected ways with other self-report and test-based empathy tests, cognition, and demographic variables. With these films, we expand the choice of testing materials for empathy in organizational research to cover a larger array of research questions.
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The literature has demonstrated how the relationship between cognitive or emotional intelligence and age exhibits an inverted-U-shape and that this decline can be mitigated by an individual's cognitive reserve (CR). Rather less is known, however, about the pattern of changes in cognitive empathy or the ability to recognize the thoughts or feelings of others. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was firstly to analyze the effect of age, gender, and CR (measured through educational level), on the capacity to show cognitive empathy. Secondly, we aimed to evaluate what type of relationship-linear or quadratic-exists between age and cognitive empathy. We finally aimed to analyze the moderator role of educational level on the relationship between age and cognitive empathy. PARTICIPANTS Totally, 902 Spanish adults aged between 18 and 79 years (M = 43.53, SD = 11.86; 57% women). MEASUREMENTS Participants were asked to indicate their educational level (primary, high school, or college education) and their cognitive empathy was assessed using the Eyes test. RESULTS Women scored higher than men on cognitive empathy. Participants with a college education had higher scores on cognitive empathy than those with a lower educational level. Additionally, the relationship between age and cognitive empathy fit an inverted-U-shaped curve, consistent with the data found for cognitive and emotional intelligence. Finally, the age-related decrease in cognitive empathy appeared to be mitigated by a higher educational level, but only in those individuals aged 35 years and above. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.
Collapse
|
46
|
Does interpersonal emotion regulation ability change with age? HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrmr.2021.100847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
47
|
Ávila-Villanueva M, Gómez-Ramírez J, Ávila J, Fernández-Blázquez MA. Alzheimer's Disease and Empathic Abilities: The Proposed Role of the Cingulate Cortex. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2021; 5:345-352. [PMID: 34189406 PMCID: PMC8203285 DOI: 10.3233/adr-200282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years there has been increasing interest in examining the role of empathic abilities in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Empathy, the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings, implies the existence of emotional and cognitive processes and is a pivotal aspect for success in social interactions. In turn, self-empathy is oriented to one’s thoughts and feelings. Decline of empathy and self-empathy can occur during the AD continuum and can be linked to different neuroanatomical pathways in which the cingulate cortex may play a crucial role. Here, we will summarize the involvement of empathic abilities through the AD continuum and further discuss the potential neurocognitive mechanisms that contribute to decline of empathy and self-empathy in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ávila-Villanueva
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Gómez-Ramírez
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Center of Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Fernández-Blázquez
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer Center, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Processes and Speech Therapy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Campus de Somosaguas, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Himichi T, Osanai H, Goto T, Fujita H, Kawamura Y, Smith A, Nomura M. Exploring the Multidimensional Links Between Trait Mindfulness and Trait Empathy. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:498614. [PMID: 34421662 PMCID: PMC8371256 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.498614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Empathy and mindfulness are currently major topics of scientific interest. Although it is well-known that mindfulness-typically as an outcome related to meditation-generates empathy at the state level, only a small number of studies have documented the trait (i.e., personality) level association between mindfulness and empathy. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms (subcomponents and mediator variables) that support this association remain unclear. Thus, here, with a focus on the trait level, we investigated relationships among multiple subcomponents of trait mindfulness and trait empathy (Study 1). Next, we reexamined the aforementioned relationships in an independent sample, with the further aim of investigating relevant mediation factors (Study 2). We found that two attention-related components of trait mindfulness-observing and acting with awareness-reliably and positively related to both affective and cognitive dimensions of trait empathy (i.e., empathic concern and perspective taking). Furthermore, we found that effortful control, reappraisal, and trait alexithymia mediated relationships between the aforementioned attention-related components of trait mindfulness and empathic concern. Taken together, our results suggest that the links between mindfulness and empathy are multidimensional and complex. These findings may ultimately contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of meditation on empathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Himichi
- School of Economics & Management, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Osanai
- Faculty of Modern Communication Studies, Hamamatsu Gakuin University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takayuki Goto
- School of Human Cultures, The University of Shiga Prefecture, Hikone, Japan
| | - Hiroyo Fujita
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuta Kawamura
- Graduate School of Humanities, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Adam Smith
- Graduate School of International Development, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Michio Nomura
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Shannen T, Kim SJ, Lee J. Empathy, cyberbullying, and cybervictimization among Filipino adolescents. CHILD HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH 2021; 27:65-74. [PMID: 35004498 PMCID: PMC8650871 DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2021.27.1.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to gain insights into empathy, cyberbullying, and cybervictimization among Filipino adolescents. METHODS The participants were 168 junior high school students in the 7th to 10th grades at a public high school in Cavite Province, Philippines. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, the Basic Empathy Scale, and Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory-II scores. The data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics (frequency and mean), the independent t-test, bivariate correlation, and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS The degree of empathy did not show a statistically significant relationship with cyberbullying (r=-.07, p=.359) but did show a significant relationship with cybervictimization (r=.18, p=.025). Furthermore, cyberbullying had a statistically significant association with cybervictimization (r=.60, p<.001). CONCLUSION Although empathy does not necessarily affect cyberbullying, higher levels of empathy were found among cyberbullying victims. However, an alarming result of this study is the possibility that victims may become cyberbullies. Therefore, we should highlight empathy as part of efforts to prevent cyberbullying and to solve various cyber-related problems. Since cyberbullying and cybervictimization are closely related, it is important to focus on this relationship and to make multilateral efforts to ensure that cyberbullying does not lead to other negative issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadena Shannen
- Graduate Student, School of Nursing, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Shin-Jeong Kim
- Professor, School of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jungmin Lee
- Lecturer, School of Nursing, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zıvralı Yarar E, Howlin P, Charlton R, Happé F. Age-Related Effects on Social Cognition in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Possible Protective Effect on Theory of Mind. Autism Res 2020; 14:911-920. [PMID: 33067894 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Impaired social cognition has been suggested to underlie the social communication difficulties that define autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In typical development, social cognition may deteriorate in older age, but age effects in ASD adults have been little explored. In the present study, we compared groups of younger and older adults with and without ASD (n = 97), who completed a set of social cognition tasks assessing theory of mind (ToM), and self-report measures of empathy and alexithymia. While typically developing (TD) younger adults outperformed elderly TD and younger ASD participants, younger and older ASD adults did not differ in their ToM performance, and the elderly ASD and TD groups performed equivalently. By contrast, ASD adults reported lower empathy scores and higher levels of alexithymia symptoms compared to TD adults regardless of age. The difference between ASD and TD groups in self-reported empathy scores was no longer significant when alexithymia was covaried (with the exception of the Perspective Taking subscore). Results suggest a possible age-protective effect on ToM in the ASD group. In addition, empathy difficulties appear to be associated with alexithymia rather than ASD per se. Possible interpretations are discussed, and future directions for autism aging research are proposed. LAY SUMMARY: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with social understanding. Some age-related studies in typical development have shown a decline in social understanding in older age. We investigated whether a similar pattern is present in adults with ASD. We found that understanding what someone is thinking was not worse in older versus younger autistic adults. Also, we reported further evidence suggesting that emotional empathy difficulties were related to difficulties with understanding one's own emotions rather than with autism itself. Autism Res 2021, 14: 911-920. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Zıvralı Yarar
- Department of Psychology, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Patricia Howlin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Charlton
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Happé
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|