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Vicario CM, Mucciardi M, Faraone G, Lucifora C, Schade HM, Falzone A, Salehinejad MA, Craparo G, Nitsche MA. Individual predictors of vaccine hesitancy in the Italian post COVID-19 pandemic era. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2306677. [PMID: 38289323 PMCID: PMC10829816 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2306677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A wide range of survey studies have explored vaccination hesitancy/resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided evidence that this can be explained by several individual variables from the ideological, clinical, and socio-affective domain. However, evidence about which individual variables predict vaccine hesitancy in the post-pandemic state of COVID-19 is meager. We administered a battery of questionnaires to a group of 120 Italian participants with high and low scores on the adult vaccine hesitancy scale (aVHS) to investigate the predictive role of ideological (i.e. political orientation), clinical (i.e. anxiety, interoceptive accuracy), and socio-affective (i.e. alexithymia, disgust sensitivity/propensity, empathy) variables on vaccine hesitancy/resistance. This study provides evidence that lower interoceptive awareness and cognitive empathy are predictors of a greater hesitancy to get vaccinated in the post-pandemic COVID-19 state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo M Vicario
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Mucciardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Faraone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Lucifora
- Dipartimento di Filosofia e Comunicazione, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Hannah M Schade
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alessandra Falzone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mohammad A Salehinejad
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Giuseppe Craparo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, Enna, Italy
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Hospital OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Bochum, Germany
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Winters DE, Massey SH, Sakai JT. Adolescent substance use outcomes in response to social consequences of use: the role of empathy. J Drug Issues 2024; 54:202-217. [PMID: 38434989 PMCID: PMC10906742 DOI: 10.1177/00220426231159303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Evidence suggests empathy deficits have a temporal relationship with substance use severity by late adolescence theorized to decrease use via recognition of social consequences. However, this has yet to be tested empirically along with differences in cognitive and affective empathy. Adolescents admitted to substance use treatment (n= 3,382) were followed through treatment and 12 months after treatment. Variable trajectories were fit using growth curve models; and cross-lagged effects of cognitive and affective empathy on response to social consequences of use were tested along with how response to social consequences affected the mean trajectory of substance use. Results indicate higher cognitive empathy predicted greater response to social consequences of use and response to these consequences at the end of treatment predicted a steeper decrease in substance use. This evidence highlights the importance of cognitive empathy for responding to social consequences of use for motivating less substance use in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew E Winters
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 e. 17th place, Aurora, CO 80045-2559, USA
| | - Suena H Massey
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Joseph T Sakai
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 e. 17th place, Aurora, CO 80045-2559, USA
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Abstract
In the current study, we examined the direct and indirect paths from mindfulness to adolescents' sibling relationships through their cognitive empathy and sympathy. The sample consisted of 220 adolescents (50.9 % female) between age of 13 and 17 years (M = 15.86, SD = 0.91). Participants reported their mindfulness (acceptance and awareness), cognitive empathy and sympathy, and sibling relationships. The parallel mediation model revealed that mindful awareness and acceptance predicted kindness, involvement, and empathy within sibling relationships through sympathy. In addition, there was a significant indirect effect of mindful awareness to empathy in sibling relationships through cognitive empathy. Findings provided information regarding the importance of indirect contributions of mindfulness to sibling relationships through cognitive empathy and sympathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Barata
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Özyeğin University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim H Acar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Özyeğin University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selen Bostancı
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Işık University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Assing Hvidt E, Wehberg S, Andersen CM, Søndergaard J, Larrabee Sonderlund A. Individual differences in empathy in Danish university students: A cross-sectional study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024; 70:113-121. [PMID: 37649338 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231196751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empathy is widely recognized as a multi-dimensional construct, involving emotional and cognitive components. These may cause distinct experiences and behaviors that can be both beneficial and deleterious to individuals' well-being and mental health. AIM We wished to examine the association between emotional and cognitive empathy of Danish university students as measured by the multidimensional Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and study major, sex, age, and parental status. Additionally, we aimed to gauge the validity of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Student version (JSE-S) as a measure of primarily cognitive empathy in the context of medical majors by comparing JSE-S scores with IRI cognitive scores. METHODS In our national, cross-sectional study, conducted in October 2020, we used survey data from students in their first, third, and final study year. All students from University of Southern Denmark were invited to fill out IRI, and all medical students at Denmark's four medical educations were additionally invited to fill out the JSE-S. Associations were estimated by linear regression models. RESULTS Of 14,072 invited, 2,595 students completed the questionnaire. Health majors scored statistically significantly higher on cognitive empathy than students from other study majors. The JSE-S correlated significantly with the cognitive empathy subscales of the IRI. Furthermore, the effects found in relation to sex, age-, and parental status were significant. CONCLUSION Our study results show that large differences in empathy exist between university students and study majors. Overall, our results highlight (1) the relevance of investigating empathy as a multidimensional versus a global construct in young adult populations (including university students) and (2) the importance of focusing on differences in empathy across different student characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonja Wehberg
- The Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Søndergaard
- The Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Özyurt G, Öztürk Y, Tufan AE, Akay A, İnal N. Differential Effects of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Comorbidity in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Social Cognition and Empathy. J Atten Disord 2024; 28:458-468. [PMID: 38069496 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231215516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate social cognition and empathy properties in children among Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) + Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD); ADHD and healthy controls from Türkiye. METHODS Twenty-two children with DMDD were compared to matched 30 children with ADHD and 60 healthy controls. We administered Affective Reactivity Index (ARI), KaSi Empathy Scale, Kiddie-SADS, and Reading Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) to evaluate Theory of Mind skills to all study participants. RESULTS DMDD + ADHD group had lower performance in ToM skills and empathy than in two groups. The ARI scores were found to be statistically significantly higher in the DMDD group than in two groups. It was also found that ARI, empathy, and ToM scores were significantly related in children with DMDD + ADHD. CONCLUSION These results might be important to understand the difficulties in social functioning and interpersonal relationship in children with DMDD and ADHD. Children with DMDD may attend specific therapeutic programs which include specific techniques in social cognition, emotion regulation, and irritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Özyurt
- School of Medicine, Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Öztürk
- Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
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Newton BW, Vaskalis ZT. Cognitive empathy of osteopathic students: a longitudinal study with data comparisons to the Project in Osteopathic Medical Education and Empathy (POMEE). J Osteopath Med 2024; 124:13-20. [PMID: 37702322 DOI: 10.1515/jom-2023-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Establishing an empathic bond of trust with patients is a characteristic that physicians need, because patients feel that physicians are more caring if they sense that they are empathetic. Former cross-sectional studies have shown an erosion of cognitive empathy as medical students progress through their education. OBJECTIVES This study aims to measure the changes in student cognitive empathy as they progress through their undergraduate osteopathic medical education. Cognitive empathy scores are compared to the nationwide norms established by the Project in Osteopathic Medical Education and Empathy (POMEE) study by Mohammadreza Hojat, PhD, and colleagues. METHODS During orientation to medical school, and at the beginning of each subsequent academic year, and just before graduation, the graduating classes of 2017-2019 participated in this longitudinal study by filling out the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Student Version (JSE-S). A total of 345/459 Osteopathic Medical Student (OMS) I-IV students (75.2 % of the graduates) filled out the forms for all five time points. Desired specialty choice and sex were also collected. Specialty choice was divided into Core and Non-Core groups. Core specialties are "people-oriented" and have a large amount of patient contact and continuity of care, while Non-Core specialties are "technical- or procedure-oriented" and have little or no patient contact and/or continuity of care. RESULTS Men selecting Non-Core specialties had significant drops in JSE-S scores (p=0.001); whereas men who selected the Core specialties did not have a significant decrease. For women, there was no significant drop in JSE-S scores for those selecting either Core or Non-Core specialties. When compared to POMEE norm data, none of the Campbell University School of Medicine students had JSE-S scores that were above the 50th percentile. CONCLUSIONS Students selecting Core specialties do a better job of maintaining their cognitive empathy, which aids their ability to establish an empathic bond of trust with patients, when compared to students who desire Non-Core specialties. JSE-S scores not above the POMEE 50th percentile is concerning and indicate either a curricular change to better enhance empathic communication skills and/or better applicant selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce W Newton
- Department of Anatomy, Campbell University, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine in North Carolina, Buies Creek, NC, USA
| | - Zachary T Vaskalis
- Department of Medical Education, Campbell University, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine, Buies Creek, NC, USA
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Olalde-Mathieu VE, Atilano-Barbosa D, Angulo-Perkins A, Licea-Haquet GL, Dominguez-Frausto CA, Barrios FA, Alcauter S. Empathy-related differences in the anterior cingulate functional connectivity of regular cannabis users when compared to controls. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25252. [PMID: 38284847 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
It has been reported that cannabis consumption affects the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a structure with a central role in mediating the empathic response. In this study, we compared psychometric scores of empathy subscales, between a group of regular cannabis users (85, users) and a group of non-consumers (51, controls). We found that users have a greater Emotional Comprehension, a cognitive empathy trait involving the understanding of the "other" emotional state. Resting state functional MRI in a smaller sample (users = 46, controls = 34) allowed to identify greater functional connectivity (FC) of the ACC with the left somatomotor cortex (SMC), in users when compared to controls. These differences were also evident within the empathy core network, where users showed greater within network FC. The greater FC showed by the users is associated with emotional representational areas and empathy-related regions. In addition, the differences in psychometric scores suggest that users have more empathic comprehension. These findings suggest a potential association between cannabis use, a greater comprehension of the other's affective state and the functional brain organization of the users. However, further research is needed to explore such association, since many other factors may be at play.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arafat Angulo-Perkins
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | | | | | - Fernando A Barrios
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Sarael Alcauter
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Gao L, Li X, Wang X. Agreeableness and adolescents' cyberbullying perpetration: A longitudinal moderated mediation model of moral disengagement and empathy. J Pers 2023; 91:1461-1477. [PMID: 36762897 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study explored whether agreeableness predicted cyberbullying perpetration across 3 years and extended previous studies by exploring the mediating effect of moral disengagement and the moderating effects of empathy and gender. METHOD The participants included 2407 adolescents from 7 middle schools in China. They were recruited to complete the Big Five Personality Inventory, Bullying Scale and Empathy Scale at Time 1, Moral Disengagement Scale at Time 1 and Time 2, and Cyberbullying Perpetration Scale at Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3. RESULTS Agreeableness at Time 1 predicted cyberbullying perpetration at Time 3 and moral disengagement at Time 2 mediated this relationship. The relationship between moral disengagement at Time 2 and cyberbullying perpetration at Time 3 was stronger for low cognitive empathy adolescents than high cognitive empathy adolescents at Time 1. The relationship between agreeableness at Time 1 and cyberbullying perpetration adolescents at Time 3 was stronger for low affective empathy than high affective empathy adolescents at Time 1. The link between moral disengagement at Time 2 and cyberbullying perpetration at Time 3 was weaker for females than males. CONCLUSIONS Low agreeableness adolescents are more likely to use moral disengagement, which in turn leads to more cyberbullying perpetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Gao
- School of Educational Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuan Li
- School of Educational Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xingchao Wang
- School of Educational Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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Corkum M, Shead NW. Online Moral Disengagement: An Examination of the Relationships Between Electronic Communication, Cognitive Empathy, and Antisocial Behavior on the Internet. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231216415. [PMID: 38032608 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231216415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
A consequence of the proliferation of online communication is the concerning presence of antisocial behavior observed in virtual spaces. Research suggests the cognitive component of empathy is hindered by features of electronic communication which facilitates antisocial behaviors online. Investigations into how features of online communication inhibit cognitive empathy are lacking, and findings on moral disengagement and antisocial behavior have yet to be integrated with studies on cognitive empathy and electronic communication. The current study explores these relationships. One hundred and three undergraduate students completed several measures including the Online Moral Disengagement Scale, Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy, and Online Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior Scale. Results showed a positive correlation between compulsive internet use and online moral disengagement, as well as a negative correlation between cognitive empathy and moral disengagement online. It was hypothesized that online moral disengagement would mediate the relation between cognitive empathy and antisocial behavior online but this mediation was not supported. However, a moderated relationship was revealed between cognitive empathy and moral justification, by liberalism. This moderation can be explored further and built upon by future research to deepen our understanding of how political ideology relates to virtual behavior. Furthermore, the findings concerning components of empathy and moral disengagement, and their role within the perpetration of antisocial conduct online, can inform future research as well as interventions focused on fostering prosocial behavior online and curbing cyberaggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Corkum
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - N Will Shead
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Duradoni M, Gursesli MC, Fiorenza M, Donati A, Guazzini A. Cognitive Empathy and the Dark Triad: A Literature Review. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2642-2680. [PMID: 37998074 PMCID: PMC10670677 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This literature review aims to analyze studies published by researchers on the topic of the relationship between the psychological constructs of the Dark Triad and Cognitive Empathy. This study hypothesizes how having good cognitive empathic skills could benefit people who demonstrate Dark Triad traits, as this could facilitate the implementation of manipulative strategies. Through the process of identifying studies via databases and registers, 23 studies were included in this literature review, and the results and theories brought forward by the researchers find more agreement regarding the individual components of the Dark Triad than the whole construct: narcissism seems to have, for the most part, relatively small and typical positive correlations (more than 50% of correlations), Machiavellianism has relatively small and typical negative relationships (about 80% of correlations), and psychopathy has relatively large negative relationships (about 90% of correlations). This study conveys that Machiavellians and psychopaths, having reduced empathic abilities, use manipulation techniques that do not have to do with empathy (for example seduction, intimidation etc.), while narcissists would be, among these three dimensions, those most likely to understand others' states of mind and thus be able to use this knowledge to their advantage-although there are doubts about the veracity of the statements and answers given by narcissists in the tests administered to them. This literature review could be a valid aid to professionals dealing with people who exhibit Dark Triad traits; understanding how those exhibiting Dark Triad traits manage their empathic abilities, the areas in which the various dimensions show deficits or not, and how they act to implement their manipulative and controlling tactics could aid in the development of more effective helping strategies to be utilized in therapy settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Duradoni
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Mustafa Can Gursesli
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Fiorenza
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Alessia Donati
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Guazzini
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
- Centre for the Study of Complex Dynamics, University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy
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Larionow P, Preece DA. The Perth Empathy Scale: Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version and Its Mental Health Correlates. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2615-2629. [PMID: 37998072 PMCID: PMC10670358 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Perth Empathy Scale (PES) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire that assesses people's ability to recognize emotions in others (i.e., cognitive empathy) and vicariously experience other's emotions (i.e., affective empathy), across positive and negative emotions. Originally developed in English, the aim of our study was to introduce the first Polish version of the PES and test its psychometric performance. Our sample was 318 people (184 females, 134 males) with ages ranging from 18 to 77. The factor structure was verified with confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was tested in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. To explore convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity, we examined relationships between the PES and measures of depression, anxiety, and emotional intelligence. It was shown that the scale was characterized by the intended four-factor solution, thus supporting factorial validity. The internal consistency reliability was also good and test-retest reliability was moderate. The convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity were strong. The clinical importance of assessing affective empathy across both positive and negative emotions was supported. Overall, our results therefore suggest that the Polish version of the PES has strong psychometric performance and clinical relevance as a measure of the multidimensional empathy construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Larionow
- Faculty of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - David A. Preece
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Brain and Behaviour Division, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Sinha P, Mehta UM, S.N. A, Srivastava P. Empathic Accuracy Task: Indian Adaptation and Validation. Indian J Psychol Med 2023; 45:486-495. [PMID: 37772149 PMCID: PMC10523519 DOI: 10.1177/02537176221141583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Empathic Accuracy Task (EAT) is an objective measure to assess empathic accuracy. Due to the variability in the number and linked emotions of the narrated events, we adapted EAT for the Indian sociocultural setting as Indian EAT (I-EAT). Methods Eight videos were adapted in three languages (English, Hindi, and Kannada), narrating emotional events with a uniform representation of age groups, different emotions, and sex. The adapted I-EAT was then validated by cross-sectional comparison with different tests similar to EAT and those that assessed concepts different from or similar to empathy, in 29 healthy young adults, 23 healthy older adults (aged ≥60 years) along with clinical groups of 15 young people with depression, 15 older people with depression, and 15 young people with schizophrenia. Results We selected eight videos with good content validity and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.73. We obtained satisfactory concurrent validity of the EAT scores with the self-reported empathic assessments using the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (Cognitive empathy score = 0.29, p = .034; Total score = 0.29, p = .035) and Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Empathic concern score = 0.45, p = .001). Good divergent validity was revealed in the high inverse correlation recorded with the Apathy Evaluation Scale ( = -0.67, p < .001). I-EAT did not correlate significantly with measures of social cognition. Known-groups validity was adequate in young adults with the significantly lower EAT scores (Cohen's d: 0.77 to 1.15) in the Schizophrenia group and higher EAT-N scores (Cohen's d: 0.51) in the Depression group, compared to the Healthy group. The Healthy group of the geriatric population also achieved significantly higher EAT scores (Cohen's d: 0.71 to 0.85) than the Depression group. Conclusion With a good validity and internal consistency, I-EAT can be used in the Indian population to assess empathic accuracy without compromising performance of the original EAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sinha
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National
Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
| | - Urvakhsh M. Mehta
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National
Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
| | - Anuradha S.N.
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National
Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
- Dept. of Psychiatry, SDM College of
Medical Sciences & Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
| | - Prerna Srivastava
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National
Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka,
India
- Dept. of Clinical Psychology,
Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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14
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xucong Hu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China;
| | - Song Tong
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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15
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Sung JY, Han JS. Exploring the Role of Empathy as a Dual Mediator in the Relationship between Human-Pet Attachment and Quality of Life: A Survey Study among Adult Dog Owners. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2220. [PMID: 37444018 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of empathy on the relationship between human-dog attachment and human quality of life. A survey involving 263 dog owners was conducted to gather data on attachment to dogs, empathy, and human quality of life in Korea. The findings indicate significant correlations between attachment to dogs, human empathy, and quality of life. Specifically, both general attachment and concerns for animal rights/welfare demonstrate meaningful parallel double-mediation effects. However, cognitive empathy does not show a significant double-mediation effect on human quality of life. These findings emphasize the importance of attachment and empathy towards dogs in enhancing the quality of life of both humans and dogs. The study suggests a shift in perceiving dogs as independent individuals rather than mere substitutes for humans. Future research should focus on emotional factors, particularly affective empathy, to further enhance the quality of life for both humans and dogs through improved relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yu Sung
- Department of Bio and Healing Convergence, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Soo Han
- Department of Bio and Healing Convergence, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Institute for the 3Rs & Animal Welfare, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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16
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Toller G, Cobigo Y, Callahan P, Appleby BS, Brushaber D, Domoto-Reilly K, Forsberg LK, Ghoshal N, Graff-Radford J, Graff-Radford NR, Grossman M, Heuer HW, Kornak J, Kremers W, Lapid MI, Leger G, Litvan I, Mackenzie IR, Pascual MB, Ramos EM, Rascovsky K, Rojas JC, Staffaroni AM, Tartaglia MC, Toga A, Weintraub S, Wszolek ZK, Boeve BF, Boxer AL, Rosen HJ, Rankin KP. Multisite ALLFTD study modeling progressive empathy loss from the earliest stages of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:2842-2852. [PMID: 36591730 PMCID: PMC10314956 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Empathy relies on fronto-cingular and temporal networks that are selectively vulnerable in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This study modeled when in the disease process empathy changes begin, and how they progress. METHODS Four hundred thirty-one individuals with asymptomatic genetic FTD (n = 114), genetic and sporadic bvFTD (n = 317), and 163 asymptomatic non-carrier controls were enrolled. In sub-samples, we investigated empathy measured by the informant-based Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) at each disease stage and over time (n = 91), and its correspondence to underlying atrophy (n = 51). RESULTS Empathic concern (estimate = 4.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.79, 5.97; p < 0.001) and perspective taking (estimate = 5.64, 95% CI = 3.81, 7.48; p < 0.001) scores declined between the asymptomatic and very mild symptomatic stages regardless of pathogenic variant status. More rapid loss of empathy corresponded with subcortical atrophy. DISCUSSION Loss of empathy is an early and progressive symptom of bvFTD that is measurable by IRI informant ratings and can be used to monitor behavior in neuropsychiatry practice and treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianina Toller
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yann Cobigo
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Callahan
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hilary W. Heuer
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Kornak
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Gabriel Leger
- University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Irene Litvan
- University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ian R. Mackenzie
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Julio C. Rojas
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam M. Staffaroni
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Arthur Toga
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Adam L. Boxer
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Howard J. Rosen
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine P. Rankin
- University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, San Francisco, CA, USA
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17
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Shalev I, Eran A, Uzefovsky F. Empathic disequilibrium as a new framework for understanding individual differences in psychopathology. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1153447. [PMID: 37275732 PMCID: PMC10236526 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1153447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Empathy is part of basic social cognition and is central to everyday interactions. Indeed, emotional and cognitive empathy deficits are related to various psychopathologies, yet the links reported have been inconsistent. Thus, the mechanism underlying these inconsistent links is poorly understood. At least a partial answer may lie in that the dependency between cognitive and emotional empathy has been overlooked. Here, we examined the (dis)equilibrium between emotional and cognitive empathy and how it relates to individual differences in clinical traits. We further examined a possible mediator of these links-emotional reactivity. Methods Participants (N = 425) from the general population reported on their empathy, emotional reactivity, autistic traits, psychopathic tendencies, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results Beyond empathy, both extremes of empathic disequilibrium were associated with various features of clinical conditions; Higher emotional relative to cognitive empathy was related to the social domain of autism and anxiety, while higher cognitive relative to emotional empathy was related to the non-social domain of autism, depression symptoms, and psychopathic tendencies. The associations with autistic traits, anxiety, and psychopathic tendencies were mediated by emotional reactivity. Discussion Our findings suggest a new framework for understanding how individual variability in empathy is expressed in various psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Shalev
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer-Sheba, Israel
| | - Alal Eran
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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18
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Song Z, Jones A, Corcoran R, Daly N, Abu-Akel A, Gillespie SM. Psychopathic Traits and Theory of Mind Task Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 151:105231. [PMID: 37172923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This meta-analysis aims to examine the relationship between psychopathic traits and theory of mind (ToM), which is classically and broadly defined as competency in representing and attributing mental states such as emotions, intentions, and beliefs to others. Our search strategy gathered 142 effect sizes, from 42 studies, with a total sample size of 7463 participants. Random effects models were used to analyze the data. Our findings suggested that psychopathic traits are associated with impaired ToM task performance. This relationship was not moderated by age, population, psychopathy measurement (self-report versus clinical checklist) or conceptualization, or ToM task type (cognitive versus affective). The effect also remained significant after excluding tasks that did not require the participant to 1) mentalize or 2) differentiate self and other perspectives. However, interpersonal/affective traits were associated with a more pronounced impairment in ToM task performance compared to lifestyle/antisocial traits. Future research should investigate the effects of distinct psychopathy facets that will allow for a more precise understanding of the social-cognitive bases of relevant clinical presentations in psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaorong Song
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon Corcoran
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Natasha Daly
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Steven M Gillespie
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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19
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Aliberti M, Jenkins L, Monk M. Predictors of Cyberbystander Intervention Among Adolescents. J Interpers Violence 2023; 38:6454-6479. [PMID: 36416484 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221132784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between personal characteristics and the steps of the bystander intervention model (i.e., notice, interpret as emergency, accept responsibility, know how to intervene, and act) applied to cyberbullying. Examining bystander intervention as discrete steps instead of the single act has advantages for training individuals to intervene when they observe these acts of interpersonal violence. The five-step bystander intervention model has been applied to examine bystander intervention in traditional bullying, sexual assault, and drinking behavior, but not cyberbullying. In this study, we examine how specific personal characteristics (social support, social-emotional wellness, cognitive empathy, and affective empathy) are related to each step of the model. Data on students' perceptions of these characteristics and their engagement in the five-step model were collected from 872 sixth-grade through twelfth-grade students ages 11 to 18 in the southeastern area of the United States. Using multi-group path analysis, associations between the characteristics and steps were examined for boys and girls separately. Results indicated that social support was significantly associated with step 2 (interpreting as an emergency), step 4 (know how to intervene), and step 5 (acting). Affective empathy was significantly associated with the first four steps of the model. Social-emotional wellness was only significantly associated with step 1 and cognitive empathy was not significantly associated with any of the steps. These results suggest that it may be important to emphasize positive relationships, affective empathy, and social support for interventions primarily directed at reducing cyberbullying. Training adolescents to intervene in cyberbullying and also to increase these characteristics is important to consider.
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20
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Liu X, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Xiang G, Miao H, Guo C. Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Altruistic Behavior in Chinese Middle School Students: Mediating Role of Empathy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3326. [PMID: 36834021 PMCID: PMC9962181 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that socioeconomic status is correlated to altruistic behavior. The role of empathy as one of the motivations for altruistic behavior is gradually gaining attention among researchers. This study explores the role of empathy in the mechanisms of socioeconomic status and altruistic behavior in Chinese adolescents. A total of 253 middle school students from Northern China participated in this study, which included the dictator game and Interpersonal Relation Index. Results showed that (1) low-SES students behaved more generously than high-SES students; (2) the students were more generous to the low-SES recipients, as shown when offering them more money in the dictator game; (3) affective rather than cognitive empathy mediates the relationship between socioeconomic status and altruistic behavior. The findings provide evidence for the validation of the empathy-altruism hypothesis in a group of Chinese adolescents. Meanwhile, it reveals the path to improving altruistic behavior through the promotion of empathy, especially for individuals of high socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Liu
- Research Center of Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- Research Center of Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guangcan Xiang
- Tian Jiabing College of Education, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Hualing Miao
- Research Center of Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Cheng Guo
- Research Center of Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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21
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Anishchuk S, Kubacki A, Howell Y, van Harten MT, Yarascavitch C, MacGiolla Phadraig C. Can a virtual learning module foster empathy in dental undergraduate students? Eur J Dent Educ 2023; 27:118-125. [PMID: 35114039 PMCID: PMC10078759 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empathy is an essential part of patient-centred health care, which positively benefits both patients and clinicians. There is little agreement regarding how best to design and deliver training for healthcare trainees to impart the skills and behaviours of clinical empathy. The study aimed to inform the field by sharing an educational intervention where we aimed to improve empathy amongst dental undergraduate students in Trinity College Dublin using a virtual learning module. METHODS Adopting pre-post-repeat pre-experimental design, dental professional students completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) for Health Professional Students immediately prior to and after a three-week virtual programme designed to increase clinical empathy. Using a three-factor model described for the JSE in the literature, scores were evaluated for internal consistency and paired tests were performed on scores appropriate to their distributions. Seven-point Likert scales were scored to record student experience of training and technology, which are reported descriptively. RESULTS Most of the 37 participants were female (76%) and represented dental science (N = 27) and dental hygiene roles (N = 7). Results revealed a mean JSE-HPS scale score rise from 110.0 (SD = 10.4) to 116.4 (SD = 11.1), which represented a rise of 5.8% (t (36) = 3.6, p = 0.001). The three factors associated with cognitive empathy, namely perspective-taking (T(36) = 3.931, p < 0.001; walking in the patient's shoes T(36) = 2.093, p = 0.043); and compassionate care (Z = 2.469, p = 0.014) were all found to have increased after the intervention. Students reported a positive experience of discipline-specific and generic videos as part of the module. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that a virtual educational module was associated with an increase in empathy amongst dental undergraduate students. The design of a blended module incorporating the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and virtual learning are beneficial and have a promising future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sviatlana Anishchuk
- Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublin Dental University HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Angela Kubacki
- Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublin Dental University HospitalDublinIreland
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical EducationSt George'sUniversity of LondonLondonIreland
| | - Yvonne Howell
- Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublin Dental University HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Maria T. van Harten
- Trinity College DublinUniversity of DublinDublin Dental University HospitalDublinIreland
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22
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Greenberg DM, Warrier V, Abu-Akel A, Allison C, Gajos KZ, Reinecke K, Rentfrow PJ, Radecki MA, Baron-Cohen S. Sex and age differences in "theory of mind" across 57 countries using the English version of the "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2022385119. [PMID: 36584298 PMCID: PMC9910622 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022385119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The "Reading the Mind in the Eyes" Test (Eyes Test) is a widely used assessment of "theory of mind." The NIMH Research Domain Criteria recommends it as one of two tests for "understanding mental states." Previous studies have demonstrated an on-average female advantage on the Eyes Test. However, it is unknown whether this female advantage exists across the lifespan and across a large number of countries. Thus, we tested sex and age differences using the English version of the Eyes Test in adolescents and adults across 57 countries. We also tested for associations with sociodemographic and cognitive/personality factors. We leveraged one discovery dataset (N = 305,726) and three validation datasets (Ns = 642; 5,284; and 1,087). The results show that: i) there is a replicable on-average female advantage in performance on the Eyes Test; ii) performance increases through adolescence and shallowly declines across adulthood; iii) the on-average female advantage is evident across the lifespan; iv) there is a significant on-average female advantage in 36 out of 57 countries; v) there is a significant on-average female advantage on translated (non-English) versions of the Eyes Test in 12 out of 16 countries, as confirmed by a systematic review; vi) D-scores, or empathizing-systemizing, predict Eyes Test performance above and beyond sex differences; and vii) the female advantage is negatively linked to "prosperity" and "autonomy," and positively linked to "collectivism," as confirmed by exploratory country-level analyses. We conclude that the on-average female advantage on the Eyes Test is observed across ages and most countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Greenberg
- Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan5290002, Israel
- Department of Music, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan5290002, Israel
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 8AH, United Kingdom
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 8AH, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institut de Psychologie, Université de Lausanne, LausanneCH-1015, Switzerland
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa3498838, Israel
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 8AH, United Kingdom
| | - Krzysztof Z. Gajos
- Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
| | - Katharina Reinecke
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2355, United States of America
| | - P. Jason Rentfrow
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 3EB, United Kingdom
| | - Marcin A. Radecki
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 8AH, United Kingdom
- Social and Affective Neuroscience Group, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca55100, Italy
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 8AH, United Kingdom
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23
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Moret-Tatay C, Mundi-Ricós P, Irigaray TQ. The Relationship between Face Processing, Cognitive and Affective Empathy. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 13:bs13010021. [PMID: 36661593 PMCID: PMC9854795 DOI: 10.3390/bs13010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to examine the relationship between affective and cognitive empathy scores and perceptual face recognition skills. A total of 18 young adults participated in the study. Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test (TECA), The eyes Test and an experimental task were carried out. The experimental task has two blocks, a presentation, and a recognition phase, under the Karolinska battery of images expressing different emotions. Cognitive empathy sub-factors were found to be related to the hit rate on the recognition of surprise faces as well as the discarding of faces of disgust. In relation to the hit rate on discarding faces of disgust, this was related to perspective taking. Reaction time and Cognitive empathy subfactors were found to be positively correlated to the recognition of disgust, surprise, and sadness. Lastly, Perspective taking was also related to the discarding of disgust reaction time in a direct way. The relationships between affective empathy and other measures for emotional face recognition were not statistically significant. Knowledge of individual differences in cognitive and affective empathy, as well as of their relationship with behavioral responses such as the recognition or dismissal of emotional faces are of interest for social interaction and in psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Moret-Tatay
- MEB Lab, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Avenida de la Ilustración 2, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Paloma Mundi-Ricós
- MEB Lab, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Avenida de la Ilustración 2, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Tatiana Quarti Irigaray
- ARIHA, Pós-Graduate Program in Psychology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91215-330, Brazil
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24
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Chavira Trujillo G, Gallego Tomás M, López‐Pérez B. The link between cognitive and affective empathy and interpersonal emotion regulation direction and strategies. Scand J Psychol 2022; 63:594-600. [PMID: 35698828 PMCID: PMC9796316 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Interpersonal emotion regulation (ER) refers to the different processes aimed at changing the emotional states of others. Some authors have speculated about the pivotal role of empathy for interpersonal ER to happen. However, the very limited empirical evidence suggests that only cognitive empathy as opposed to affective empathy may be a necessary antecedent. As previous research only considered interpersonal affect improvement and showed mixed evidence for the regulation strategies, we aimed to address this gap in the current research. To that aim, 374 adults (M = 30.3 years, 249 female) reported their tendency to engage in cognitive (perspective-taking) and affective empathy (empathic concern and personal distress) as well as their tendency to improve and worsen others' mood, and to use different regulation strategies (situation modification, attention deployment, cognitive change, and modulation of the emotional response) to change others' feelings. Results of the regression analyses showed that while affect improvement was not significantly predicted by any of the empathy variables, affect worsening was positively predicted by personal distress. Concerning the regulation strategies, while cognitive change and situation modification were positively predicted by personal distress, attention deployment was positively predicted by perspective-taking. Overall, the obtained results highlight the need to further investigate the link between empathy and ER and to carefully consider the methods selected for that purpose.
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25
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Inzunza M, Brown GTL, Stenlund T, Wikström C. The relationship between subconstructs of empathy and general cognitive ability in the context of policing. Front Psychol 2022; 13:907610. [PMID: 36562059 PMCID: PMC9765079 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Empathy has been widely theorized as an important ability in professions such as policing, in which to perform well individuals require multiple and interacting abilities, not least when resolving conflict situations. Even so, there are few studies investigating how subconstructs of empathy relate to other constructs such as general cognitive ability. The purpose of this paper is to establish, after evaluating psychometric properties, relationships among measures of empathy and cognitive ability in a sample of Swedish police students (n = 157). Design/methodology/approach Multiple latent variable models of how the different measures work to predict tasks that can be seen as proxies for the ability to understand another person's situation and intentions are evaluated to determine the most robust relationship(s) within the data. Findings We find support for the psychometric properties reported in previous studies with the used instruments. We also find support for perspective-taking, a cognitive empathy subconstruct predicting the ability to recognize emotions, and also the affective part of empathy, predicting general cognitive ability. These findings are discussed at length in the paper. Originality/value This research adds more knowledge to the issue of how general cognitive ability relates to cognitive empathy and other subconstructs of empathy or Theory of Mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Inzunza
- Police Education Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden,*Correspondence: Miguel Inzunza,
| | - Gavin T. L. Brown
- Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand,Department of Applied Educational Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Tova Stenlund
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christina Wikström
- Department of Applied Educational Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
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26
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Kimmig ACS, Wildgruber D, Gärtner A, Drotleff B, Krylova M, Lämmerhofer M, Sundström-Poromaa I, Derntl B. Lower affective empathy in oral contraceptive users: a cross-sectional fMRI study. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4319-4333. [PMID: 36137568 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence accumulates that oral contraceptive (OC) use modulates various socio-affective behaviors, including empathic abilities. Endogenous and synthetic sex hormones, such as estrogens and progestogens, bind to receptor sites in brain regions (i.e. frontal, limbic, and cerebellar) involved in socio-affective processing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of OC use in empathy. In a cross-sectional functional magnetic resonance imaging study, women in different hormonal states, including OC use (n = 46) or being naturally cycling in the early follicular (fNC: n = 37) or peri-ovulatory phase (oNC: n = 28), performed a visual, sentence-based empathy task. Behaviorally, OC users had lower empathy ratings than oNC women. Congruently, whole-brain analysis revealed significantly larger task-related activation of several brain regions, including the left dorsomedial prefrontal gyrus (dmPFG), left precentral gyrus, and left temporoparietal junction in oNC compared to OC women. In OC users, the activity of the left dmPFG and precentral gyrus was negatively associated with behavioral and self-reported affective empathy. Furthermore, empathy-related region-of-interest analysis indicated negative associations of brain activation with synthetic hormone levels in OC women. Overall, this multimodal, cross-sectional investigation of empathy suggests a role of OC intake in especially affective empathy and highlights the importance of including synthetic hormone levels in OC-related analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Sophie Kimmig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Calwerstr. 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, Ottfried-Müller-Str. 27, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Wildgruber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Calwerstr. 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna Gärtner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Calwerstr. 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Drotleff
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina Krylova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Philosophenweg 3, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Department of Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Physics Group, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Lämmerhofer
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical (Bio-)Analysis, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Inger Sundström-Poromaa
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Uppsala, Akademiska sjukhuset, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), University of Tübingen, Calwerstr. 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen, Europastraße 6, 72072 Tübingen Germany
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27
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Holtmann O, Schloßmacher I, Franz M, Moenig C, Tenberge JG, Preul C, Schwindt W, Bruchmann M, Melzer N, Miltner WHR, Straube T. Effects of emotional valence and intensity on cognitive and affective empathy after insula lesions. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4562-4573. [PMID: 36124830 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The insula plays a central role in empathy. However, the complex structure of cognitive (CE) and affective empathy (AE) deficits following insular damage is not fully understood. In the present study, patients with insular lesions (n = 20) and demographically matched healthy controls (n = 24) viewed ecologically valid videos that varied in terms of valence and emotional intensity. The videos showed a person (target) narrating a personal life event. In CE conditions, subjects continuously rated the affective state of the target, while in AE conditions, they continuously rated their own affect. Mean squared error (MSE) assessed deviations between subject and target ratings. Patients differed from controls only in negative, low-intensity AE, rating their own affective state less negative than the target. This deficit was not related to trait empathy, neuropsychological or clinical parameters, or laterality of lesion. Empathic functions may be widely spared after insular damage in a naturalistic, dynamic setting, potentially due to the intact interpretation of social context by residual networks outside the lesion. The particular role of the insula in AE for negative states may evolve specifically in situations that bear higher uncertainty pointing to a threshold role of the insula in online ratings of AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Holtmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Straße 52, Muenster 48149, Germany.,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Fliednerstraße 21, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | - Insa Schloßmacher
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Straße 52, Muenster 48149, Germany.,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Fliednerstraße 21, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | - Marcel Franz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Steiger 3, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Constanze Moenig
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | - Jan-Gerd Tenberge
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | - Christoph Preul
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Wolfram Schwindt
- Institute of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | - Maximilian Bruchmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Straße 52, Muenster 48149, Germany.,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Fliednerstraße 21, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | - Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Muenster 48149, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H R Miltner
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Steiger 3, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Thomas Straube
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Systems Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Straße 52, Muenster 48149, Germany.,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Muenster, Fliednerstraße 21, Muenster 48149, Germany
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28
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Peifer JS, Taasoobshirazi G. College Students' Reduced Cognitive Empathy and Increased Anxiety and Depression before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11330. [PMID: 36141602 PMCID: PMC9517193 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study explored college students' individual mental health (i.e., anxious and depressive symptoms, intrapersonal identity, and ethnic identity), as well as interpersonal mental health, as assessed by their affective connection to and care for others (i.e., cognitive empathy), exploring the role of culture and identity during the twin COVID-19 and racial justice pandemics of 2020. Comparing a longitudinal cohort of 147 undergraduate students' experiences prior to the pandemic (Spring 2019) and after the onset of the pandemic (Spring 2021), the study examines students' mental health changes amidst the multi-layered challenges of this time. A repeated measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed heightened anxiety and depression scores from pre-pandemic to during the pandemic and a reduction in cognitive empathy as expressed through perspective taking and empathic concern. The study begins to examine the implications of these findings in the COVID-19 era with a focus on young adult mental health, higher education, empathy, and community-mindedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle S. Peifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Gita Taasoobshirazi
- School of Data Science and Analytics, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
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29
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Guo XD, Wang Y, Chan RCK. Mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between schizotypy and empathy. Psych J 2022; 11:335-343. [PMID: 35437901 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizotypy is a set of personality traits existing in the general population that represents vulnerability for developing psychosis. Previous studies have suggested that negative schizotypy correlates with empathy, but mixed results have been shown for positive schizotypy. The present study aimed to explore the potential mediating role of emotion regulation upon schizotypy and empathy. The valid sample consisted of 595 college students who completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Chapman Psychosis Proneness Scales. Pearson correlations between schizotypy, emotion regulation, and empathy were performed to build potential mediating models. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap analyses were used to examine the mediation effects of emotion regulation. Our results showed that negative schizotypy was correlated with both cognitive and affective empathy whereas positive schizotypy only correlated with the Fantasy and Personal Distress subscales after multiple comparisons corrections. The Cognitive Reappraisal subscale of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire was positively correlated with empathy whereas the Expressive Suppression subscale was negatively associated with affective empathy. More importantly, there was a significant mediating effect of cognitive reappraisal on the relationship between negative schizotypy and cognitive empathy. Our findings suggest that a higher level of negative schizotypy is associated with poorer cognitive and affective empathy, and cognitive reappraisal may mediate the effect of negative schizotypy on cognitive empathy. These findings highlight the optimal usage of cognitive reappraisal in social interactions, and may help to improve empathy, especially for individuals with a high level of negative schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Guo
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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30
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Reniers RLEP, Abu-Akel A, Seara-Cardoso A. Editorial: Cognitive Empathy and Perspective Taking: Understanding the Mechanisms of Normal and Abnormal Experiences and Abilities. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:945258. [PMID: 35722573 PMCID: PMC9201905 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.945258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renate L E P Reniers
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ana Seara-Cardoso
- Centro de Investigaçāo em Psicologia, Escola de Psicologia, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
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31
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Abstract
Preschoolers face new challenges in their social life: the development of social and emotional abilities in order to have positive relationships with peers and adults. Empathy, the ability to share and understand the emotions of others, contributes to this socio-emotional adjustment. This exploratory study examines mothers and fathers' perceptions of their child's empathy and individual factors, such as age, gender, and personality, which are related to cognitive and affective empathy in 63 typically developing preschoolers. Links between children's individual characteristics (empathy and personality) and their social adjustment on the one hand and risk of developing internalized vs. externalized behaviors on the other were also investigated. Parents completed four questionnaires about their child's empathy, personality, and social (mal)adjustment. The results showed that mothers and fathers perceived their children's cognitive and affective empathy, attention to others' feelings, and social actions (such as helping), in the same way, except for emotion contagion. Gender differences appeared specifically for some components of empathy: girls were said to pay more attention to others' emotions while boys had better cognitive empathy. Moreover, children's empathy as perceived by mothers or fathers was positively linked with their age, and with personality factors (extraversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, and openness to experience). Cognitive empathy and personality were found to be partly related to higher social skills and lower externalized and internalized behaviors. The results nuanced specific links between cognitive and affective empathy and social adjustment as well as behavior problems at preschool age. These results may have some implications for future research and prevention in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poline Simon
- Chair Baron Frère in Special Education, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Nader-Grosbois
- Chair Baron Frère in Special Education, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
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32
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Schuler M, Mohnke S, Amelung T, Beier KM, Walter M, Ponseti J, Schiffer B, Kruger THC, Walter H. Neural processing associated with Cognitive Empathy in Pedophilia and Child Sexual Offending. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 17:712-722. [PMID: 34907428 PMCID: PMC9340114 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral studies found evidence for superior cognitive empathy (CE) in pedophilic men without a history of child sexual offending (P-CSO) compared to pedophilic men with a history of CSO (P+CSO). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies also point to differences between P-CSO and P+CSO. Neural processing associated with CE has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the neural correlates of CE in subjects with pedophilia with (P+CSO) and without (P-CSO) child sexual offending. 15 P+CSO, 15 P-CSO, and 24 teleiophilic male controls (TC) performed a CE task during fMRI. We observed reduced activation in the left precuneus (Pcu) and increased activation in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in P-CSO compared to P+CSO. P-CSO also showed stronger connectivity between these regions, which might reflect a top-down modulation of the Pcu by the ACC toward an increased self-focused emotional reaction in social situations. There was also evidence for increased right superior temporal gyrus activation in P-CSO that might constitute a potentially compensatory recruitment due to the dampened Pcu activation. These findings provide first evidence for altered neural processing of CE in P-CSO and underline the importance of addressing CE in pedophilia and CSO in order to uncover processes relevant to effective prevention of child sexual abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schuler
- Department of Health and Human Sciences, Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine
| | - Sebastian Mohnke
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Till Amelung
- Department of Health and Human Sciences, Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine
| | - Klaus M Beier
- Department of Health and Human Sciences, Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Department for Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jorge Ponseti
- Department for Integrative Psychiatry, Institute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kiel University, Medical School, Kiel, Germany
| | - Boris Schiffer
- Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tillmann H C Kruger
- Divison of Clinical Psychology and Sexual Medicine. Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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33
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Chung YW, Im S, Kim JE. Can Empathy Help Individuals and Society? Through the Lens of Volunteering and Mental Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1406. [PMID: 34828452 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Empathy affects an individual’s decision to participate in volunteering, and volunteering, in turn, influences mental health. Intriguingly, studies have been limited in exploring underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions for the relationship between empathy and mental health. Furthermore, volunteering studies have overlooked the multi-dimensionality of empathy. Therefore, this study seeks to contribute to extant literature by investigating the mediating effect of volunteering for the relationships between cognitive and affective empathy and mental health and the moderating effect of gender for the relationship between empathy and volunteering. (2) Methods; Data were collected using a survey in South Korea and consisted of 301 full-time employees who voluntarily engaged in their corporate volunteer programs. Furthermore, they voluntarily participated in the study. The hypotheses were tested with path analysis and a group comparison was also conducted. (3) Results: Volunteering was found to mediate the relationships between cognitive empathy and affective empathy with mental health. In addition, gender moderated the relationship between empathy and volunteering. (4) Conclusions: As the study found empathy to increase individuals’ engaging in volunteering activities which then improved mental health, the study supports extant theoretical frameworks on empathy and volunteering. Moreover, the study found gender differences on empathy and volunteering; thereby supporting and contributing to extant literature.
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34
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Jiang Q, Yang YT, Liu CL, Yuan JW. The Differing Roles of Cognitive Empathy and Affective Empathy in the Relationship Between Trait Anger and Aggressive Behavior: A Chinese College Students Survey. J Interpers Violence 2021; 36:NP10937-NP10957. [PMID: 31578910 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519879229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Empathy is essential for effective social interaction. People often express the belief that empathy is closely related to aggressive behavior, but empirical data has challenged this assumption. However, there is a lack of research that focuses on the role of empathy in the relationship between trait anger and aggressive behavior. The current research focuses on the roles that different components of empathy have performed in the combinations of trait anger-hostile cognition-aggressive behavior link and attempt to identify, with reference to Integrated Model of Emotion Processes and Cognition in Social Information Processing, at which step this may occur. Participants included 663 undergraduate students who completed self-report measures of Trait Anger Scale, Aggressive Behavior Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. Results from correlation analysis show that there is no significant correlation between cognitive empathy and aggressive behavior (r = -.06) but do however suggest a significant correlation between affective empathy and aggressive behavior (r = -.19). Results from structural equation modeling reveal that different components of empathy perform different roles in relation to aggressive behavior. The moderated mediating model analysis results show that cognitive empathy played a moderating role in both the direct effect and the first stage of the mediating model of trait anger-hostile cognition-aggression behavior. The results of multiple mediation model analysis demonstrate that affective empathy only played a partial mediating role between hostile cognition and aggressive behavior. This study contributes to understanding of Social Information Processing Models (SIPMs) and provides insight into the relationship between empathy and aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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35
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Gica Ş, Büyükavşar A, Iyisoy MS, Güleç H. Psychometric Properties of Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE): Reliability and Factor Analysis Study in Turkish Sample. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2021; 58:228-233. [PMID: 34526847 PMCID: PMC8419731 DOI: 10.29399/npa.27248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Questionnaire Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) scale is a tool that is widely used because of its multi-dimensional assessment of ability for empathy and is currently available in many languages. The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of QCAE, which evaluates cognitive and emotional empathy with its multi-dimensional structure, and to bring it into the Turkish. METHODS The study was carried out in a Turkish population of 412 healthy volunteers. Internal consistency, confirmatory factor analyses and gender comparisons of the Turkish version of the scale were performed. RESULTS The Turkish version of QCAE had good construct validity and reliability for the five-correlated factors model (i. e., Emotion Contagion, Proximal Responsivity, Peripheral Responsivity, Perspective Taking and Online Simulation). Temporal reliability was high with a two week test-retest intra-correlation coefficient range of 0.69-0.79. A total of 3 models were tested with confirmatory factor analyses, including the models of the original investigation. Cognitive-Affective distinction was not supported by the pattern of correlations between the factors. CONCLUSION Our results support that it is appropriate to compute and interpret the 5 sub-dimensions of the Turkish version of QCAE separately and totally, but the limitations in its use in the Cognitive Empathy and Affective Empathy sub-dimensions should be heeded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şakir Gica
- Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram Medical Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahsen Büyükavşar
- Konya Aksehir Public Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Konya, Turkey
| | - M Sinan Iyisoy
- Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Education and Informatics, Konya, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Güleç
- University of Health Sciences Turkey Istanbul Erenkoy Mental Health and Neurological Disease Education and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
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36
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Deng X, Yang J, Wu Y. Adolescent Empathy Influences Bystander Defending in School Bullying: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:690898. [PMID: 34421742 PMCID: PMC8374429 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.690898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though numerous studies have shown that adolescent empathy is positively related to bystander defending in school bullying, others have failed to detect a significant association between these two variables. To address this discrepancy, a three-level meta-analysis of 27 papers (35 independent studies, N = 25,012 adolescents) was conducted. The results showed that empathy was positively correlated with bystander defending. Furthermore, the strength of the relationship between empathy and bystander defending was moderated by the type of empathy and the evaluators of defending. Specifically, the correlation coefficient between affective empathy and bystander defending (r = 0.27, 95% CI [0.22, 0.32]) was significantly stronger than that between cognitive empathy and bystander defending (r = 0.22, 95% CI [0.17, 0.28]). Finally, the strength of the relationship between empathy and bystander defending was moderated by the evaluator of defending behavior. That is, the correlation coefficient of bystander defending measured by self-evaluation was significantly stronger than that measured by peer-evaluation. The results showed that empathy was closely related to bystander defending. Thus, school bullying can be prevented from the perspective of enhancing empathy among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Deng
- Research Center of Educational Economics, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China.,School of Education Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Junru Yang
- School of Education Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yuzhen Wu
- Department of Rear-Service Management, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
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37
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Zeng Y, Ye B, Zhang Y, Yang Q. Family Cohesion and Stress Consequences Among Chinese College Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model. Front Public Health 2021; 9:703899. [PMID: 34336777 PMCID: PMC8319383 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.703899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Family plays a pivotal role in individuals' mental health. During the COVID-19 epidemic, people were being quarantined at home to prevent the further spread of the virus. Therefore, the influence of family on individuals is more significant than usual. It is reasonable to assume that family cohesion can effectively alleviate the stress consequences during the COVID-19 epidemic. In the present study, a moderated mediation model was constructed to examine the mechanisms underlying the association between family cohesion and stress consequences among Chinese college students. A large sample of Chinese college students (N = 1,254, M age = 19.85, SD age = 1.29) participated in the study. Results indicated that family cohesion was negatively related to stress consequences. Fear of COVID-19 partially mediated the link between family cohesion and stress consequences. Excessive affective empathy reported by participants served to aggravate the relation between fear of COVID-19 and stress consequences. The study helps us understand how internal and external factors affect individual mental health that provides meaningful implications for promoting mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadi Zeng
- Center of Preschool Education, Center of Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Baojuan Ye
- Center of Preschool Education, Center of Mental Health Education and Research, School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanzhen Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center of Preschool Education, School of Education, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
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Fantozzi P, Muratori P, Caponi MC, Levantini V, Nardoni C, Pfanner C, Ricci F, Sesso G, Tacchi A, Milone A, Masi G. Treatment with Methylphenidate Improves Affective but Not Cognitive Empathy in Youths with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children (Basel) 2021; 8:children8070596. [PMID: 34356575 PMCID: PMC8307630 DOI: 10.3390/children8070596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Beside the core symptoms, patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently show relevant difficulty in developing relationships with peers. Although ADHD symptoms may account for social impairment, deficits in cognitive and/or affective empathy have also been involved. Our aim was to investigate the effect of methylphenidate (MPH) treatment on affective and cognitive empathy. Methods: Sixty-one drug-naïve youths with ADHD (age range 6 to 17 years, mean 10.3 ± 2.8 years, 51 males) naturalistically treated with MPH monotherapy were followed up for 6 months for ADHD symptoms and empathy, measured with the Basic Empathy Scale. Results: After being treated with MPH, the patients showed a significant improvement in affective and cognitive empathy scores. Linear regression models showed that changes in inattention symptoms predicted changes in affective but not in cognitive empathy, while changes in the hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms did not predict changes in affective or cognitive empathy. Conclusions: Our study provides a further contribution for a better understanding of the possible effects of the MPH on youth’s characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Fantozzi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-886293
| | - Pietro Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Maria Celeste Caponi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Valentina Levantini
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Cristina Nardoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Chiara Pfanner
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Federica Ricci
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Gianluca Sesso
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tacchi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (P.M.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.); (C.N.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (G.S.); (A.T.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
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Lee S, Jacobsen EP, Jia Y, Snitz BE, Chang CCH, Ganguli M. Reading the Mind in the Eyes: A Population-Based Study of Social Cognition in Older Adults. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 29:634-642. [PMID: 33293250 PMCID: PMC8166961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social cognition indicates the cognitive processes involved in perceiving, interpreting, and processing social information. Although it is one of the six core DSM-5 cognitive domains for diagnosing neurocognitive disorders, it is not routinely assessed in older adults. The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test assesses Theory of Mind, the social cognition mechanism which forms the root of empathy. OBJECTIVES To describe the distribution of, and factors associated with, scores on a 10-item version of Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET-10) in older adults. DESIGN Population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING Small-town communities in Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 66-105 years (N = 902, mean age = 76.6). MEASUREMENTS The assessment included RMET-10, demographics, cognitive screening, literacy, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, cognitive composites derived from a neuropsychological test battery, Social Norms Questionnaire, and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). RESULTS RMET-10 score was normally distributed in our overall study sample. Normative RMET-10 scores among those rated as CDR = 0 were calculated by age, sex, and education. RMET-10 score was significantly higher with younger age, higher education, white race, higher cognitive screening scores, literacy, social norms scores, higher scores in all five domains in cognitive composites, and lower CDR. RMET-10 score was also significantly higher with fewer depression and anxiety symptoms after adjusting for demographics. CONCLUSIONS The RMET is a potentially useful measure of social cognition for use in the research assessment of older adults. With appropriate calibration it should also have utility in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine (SL, EPJ, MG), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Erin P Jacobsen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine (SL, EPJ, MG), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yichen Jia
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health (YJ, CCHC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Beth E Snitz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine (BES, MG), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Chung-Chou H Chang
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health (YJ, CCHC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine (CCHC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mary Ganguli
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine (SL, EPJ, MG), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine (BES, MG), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health (MG), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
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Gutiérrez-Cobo MJ, Cabello R, Megías-Robles A, Gómez-Leal R, Baron-Cohen S, Fernández-Berrocal P. Does our cognitive empathy diminish with age? The moderator role of educational level. Int Psychogeriatr 2021;:1-8. [PMID: 34078514 DOI: 10.1017/S1041610221000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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.
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Schmidt I, Rutanen T, Luciani RS, Jola C. Feeling for the Other With Ease: Prospective Actors Show High Levels of Emotion Recognition and Report Above Average Empathic Concern, but Do Not Experience Strong Distress. Front Psychol 2021; 12:543846. [PMID: 34140906 PMCID: PMC8203906 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.543846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in empathic abilities between acting, dance, and psychology students were explored, in addition to the appropriateness of existing empathy measures in the context of these cohorts. Students (N = 176) across Higher Education Institutions in the United Kingdom and Europe were included in the online survey analysis, consisting of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RME) test, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Empathy Quotient (EQ), and the E-drawing test (EDT), each measuring particular facets of empathy. Based on existing evidence and our understanding of the discipline practices, we predicted that acting students would perform the best at identifying people’s emotional expressions but might lack other cognitive or affective empathy skills, particularly those related to emotional reactions. This cohort thus provides an opportunity to evaluate different empathy measures. While actors showed significantly higher RME scores than dancers, the difference between actors and psychologists was marginal. Moreover, actors’ scores did not differ significantly on other empathy measures, such as their concern for others’ emotional wellbeing or fantasy, both measured by IRI subscales. Psychology students scored highest in the IRI perspective taking subscale and the data supported anecdotal evidence that psychologists were more concerned for others’ emotional wellbeing than dancers or actors. Dancers seemed the least concerned with others’ perspectives and emotional states, which we explained through a somatosensory ‘inward’ focus required by their art form. Nevertheless, compared to the general population, our groups reported higher empathic abilities on all IRI subscales except for personal distress. Altogether, our study shows that the RME, the IRI, and the EDT vary in their susceptibility to different facets of empathic abilities in acting, dance, and psychology students whereas the EQ does not. Emotions can be expressed and perceived through language, facial expressions, or behavior. As many empathy tests focus on one type of signal they might miss other strategies. Where empathy tests are applied to individuals that have a predominance to read or respond to others in a particular way, as we showed through these three disciplines, they might not capture these empathic strategies. We thus propose that empathy tests must evolve by means of integrating varied forms of communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Schmidt
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Tuomas Rutanen
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto S Luciani
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Jola
- Division of Psychology and Forensic Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Hua AY, Wells JL, Brown CL, Levenson RW. Emotional and Cognitive Empathy in Caregivers of Persons with Neurodegenerative Disease: Relationships with Caregiver Mental Health. Clin Psychol Sci 2021; 9:449-466. [PMID: 34194871 PMCID: PMC8240761 DOI: 10.1177/2167702620974368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Caregiving for a person with dementia or neurodegenerative disease (PWD) is associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety. As the population ages and dementia prevalence increases worldwide, mental health problems related to dementia caregiving will become an even more pressing public health concern. The present study assessed emotional empathy (physiological, behavioral, and self-reported emotional responses to a film depicting others suffering) and two measures of cognitive empathy (identifying the primary emotion experienced by another person; providing continuous ratings of the valence of another person's changing emotions) in relation to mental health (standard questionnaires) in 78 caregivers of PWDs. Greater emotional empathy (self-reported emotional responses) was associated with worse mental health, even after accounting for known risk factors. Neither measure of cognitive empathy was associated with mental health. A relationship between high levels of emotional empathy and poor mental health in caregivers suggests possible risk indicators and intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Y Hua
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Jenna L Wells
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Casey L Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
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Quílez-Robres A, Lozano-Blasco R, Íñiguez-Berrozpe T, Cortés-Pascual A. Social, Family, and Educational Impacts on Anxiety and Cognitive Empathy Derived From the COVID-19: Study on Families With Children. Front Psychol 2021; 12:562800. [PMID: 33732175 PMCID: PMC7956976 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.562800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aims to monitor the current situation of confinement in Spanish society motivated by COVID-19 crisis. For this, a study of its socio-family, psychological and educational impact is conducted. The sample (N = 165 families, 89.1% nuclear families with children living in the same household and 20.5% with a relative in a risk group) comes from the Aragonese region (Spain). The instruments used are: Beck-II Depression Inventory (BDI-II); Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright's Empathy Quotient (EQ) with its cognitive empathy subscale, as well as an ad-hoc questionnaire, reviewed by a panel of experts, to learn about socio-personal, family and housing conditions, use of technology, involvement in school tasks and household, and working condition. The multiple regression analysis results show that the anxiety derived from the current situation is explained in 23.1% (p < 0.001) by the variables: gender (t = -2.31, p = 0.022), level of Internet consumption (t = 2.139, p = 0.034), increase of family conflicts (t = 2.980, p = 0.003) and help with school tasks (t = 2.980, p = 0.040). On the other hand, cognitive empathy is explained in 24.6% (p < 0.001) by the variables: gender (t = -4.690, p < 0.001) and mother's hours of teleworking (t = 2.101, p = 0.037). All this leads us to conclusions related to preventive systems of social, psychological, and educational aspects to better serve families. These conclusions can be also be transferred to the future with an inclusive care to family settings from those three parameters.
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Kimmig ACS, Wildgruber D, Wendel SMU, Sundström-Poromaa I, Derntl B. Friend vs. Foe: Cognitive and Affective Empathy in Women With Different Hormonal States. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:608768. [PMID: 33762905 PMCID: PMC7982725 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.608768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Empathy is crucial for social functioning as well as social coherence. It can be influenced by modulatory factors such as familiarity and liking (i.e., emotional closeness). Furthermore, there are first hints that hormonal status may modulate affective but not cognitive empathy in women. The aim of this study was to investigate potential separate as well as combined modulatory effects of emotional closeness and hormonal status on female cognitive and affective empathy. Three hormonal status groups of women (n = 62) were studied: (1) naturally-cycling (NC) women in the early follicular phase (fNC), (2) NC women during periovulatory phase (oNC), and (3) oral contraceptive (OC) users. All women underwent a newly developed empathy task (i.e., Tübinger Empathy Test, TET) presenting textual descriptions of positive and negative emotional scenes relating to three different perspectives (i.e., self vs. friend vs. enemy/disliked person). Regardless of hormonal status, empathic responses were higher for the friend compared to the enemy perspective for both empathy components. However, cognitive empathy was less affected by varying emotional closeness toward the target person than affective empathy. Hormonal status modulated only affective empathy. OC users showed significantly less affective empathy toward the enemy compared to the fNC women. Overall, affective empathy seems more sensitive to modulatory effects of emotional closeness and hormonal status than cognitive empathy. Possible implications of this current investigation for future research on empathy and OC use, contraceptive education as well as for other clinical applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Sophie Kimmig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Wildgruber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sina-Maria Ute Wendel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Tübingen Neuro Campus, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Pittelkow MM, Aan Het Rot M, Seidel LJ, Feyel N, Roest AM. Social Anxiety and Empathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 78:102357. [PMID: 33588287 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the association between social anxiety and affective (AE) and cognitive empathy (CE). METHODS 1442 studies from PsycINFO, Medline, and EMBASE (inception-January 2020) were systematically reviewed. Included studies (N = 48) either predicted variance in empathy using social anxiety scores or compared empathy scores between socially anxious individuals and a control group. RESULTS Social anxiety and AE were statistically significantly positively associated, k = 14, r = .103 (95%CI [.003, .203]), z = 2.03, p = .043. Sex (QM (2) = 18.79, p < .0001), and type of measures (QM (1 = 7.34, p = .007) moderated the association. Correlations were significant for male samples (rmale = .316, (95%CI [.200, .432])) and studies using self-report measures (rself-report = .162 (95%CI [.070, .254])). Overall, social anxiety and CE were not significantly associated, k = 52, r =-.021 (95%CI [-.075, .034]), z= -0.74, p = .459. Sample type moderated the association (QM (1) = 5.03, p < .0001). For clinical samples the association was negative (rclinical= -.112, (95%CI [-.201, -.017]). CONCLUSION There was evidence for a positive association between social anxiety and AE, but future studies are needed to verify the moderating roles of sex and type of measure. Besides, low CE might only hold for patients with SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marije Aan Het Rot
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Netherlands; School Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Groningen, Netherlands; Interdisciplinary Centre for Psychopathology and Emotion regulation (ICPE), University of Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Nils Feyel
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Annelieke M Roest
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Netherlands; Interdisciplinary Centre for Psychopathology and Emotion regulation (ICPE), University of Groningen, Netherlands
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Wang S, Hu H, Wang X, Dong B, Zhang T. The Hidden Danger in Family Environment: The Role of Self-Reported Parenting Style in Cognitive and Affective Empathy Among Offenders. Front Psychol 2021; 12:588993. [PMID: 33633632 PMCID: PMC7902076 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.588993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parenting styles are considered to have an important influence on the development of individuals and have been associated with empathy. The present study aimed to investigate the self-reported different parenting styles in childhood and adolescence and associated cognitive and affective empathy among offenders. Men incarcerated in prison in Jiangsu Province in China were invited to participate. Each consenting participant was asked to complete the Parental Bonding Instrument to collect information regarding the parenting styles they experienced in childhood and adolescence and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index to evaluate their empathy. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the associations between different parenting styles and the empathy of offenders, and a one-way multivariate analysis of variance and a t-test were used to explore the differences in cognitive and affective empathy with different degrees of parenting styles. The parental care and control factors in childhood and adolescence were significantly more strongly associated with empathy among offenders than the parental encouragement factor. There were different associations between the parental care and control factors and offenders' empathy depending on whether the parenting styles were consistent or inconsistent. When the parenting styles were consistent, different degrees of parental care had a significant predictive effect on cognitive and affective empathy, while different degrees of parental control were only significantly associated with affective empathy among the offenders. When the parenting styles were inconsistent, different degrees of paternal and maternal control were associated with cognitive and affective empathy among the offenders. Our findings suggest that not only different parenting styles experienced in childhood and adolescence had different predictive effects on empathy among offenders but also the degrees of parenting styles and whether the paternal and maternal parenting styles were consistent or inconsistent may affect the patterns of parenting styles and empathy. Moreover, the parental control factor had a particular influence on empathy among the offenders. Our findings underscore the pressing need for adopting preventive monitoring measures or developing policies to improve parenting styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaishai Wang
- School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huagang Hu
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | | | - Bo Dong
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Tianyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Chen W, McDonald S, Wearne T, Grisham J. Investigating associations between hoarding symptoms and affective and cognitive empathy. Br J Clin Psychol 2021; 60:177-193. [PMID: 33587764 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hoarding is associated with poor interpersonal functioning, such as social isolation and difficulties in forming relationships, but the reasons for these social problems are not well understood. Previous studies have identified empathy as an important precursor to social functioning, particularly for clinical disorders characterized by social deficits. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate associations between measures of cognitive and emotional empathy and hoarding symptoms. METHOD A total of 278 participants recruited via MTurk completed online self-report questionnaires on hoarding, empathy (including cognitive and affective components), and depression. All participants subsequently completed The Awareness of Social Inference Test-Short version (TASIT-S), a behavioural measure of theory of mind, a concept used interchangeably with cognitive empathy. RESULTS Hoarding symptoms were associated with greater self-reported emotional empathy, specifically emotional contagion, and less self-reported cognitive empathy. Emotional empathy predicted hoarding even after controlling for depression symptoms. Hoarding symptoms were also associated with poorer performance on the TASIT-S with respect to both emotion recognition and theory of mind, with theory of mind remaining a unique predictor of hoarding symptoms after controlling for depression. Participants who reported clinically significant hoarding symptoms were impaired in emotion recognition and theory of mind according to TASIT-S norms. CONCLUSIONS Hoarding symptoms are associated with increased emotional contagion and decreased cognitive empathy. Empathy may be an avenue for understanding and treating interpersonal difficulties in hoarding disorder. PRACTITIONER POINTS As hoarding increased, self-reported emotional contagion increased As hoarding increased, self-reported and behavioural cognitive empathy decreased Self-reported emotional empathy and behavioural cognitive empathy predicted hoarding even after controlling for depression Empathy may be an avenue for understanding social difficulties in hoarding disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Chen
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Skye McDonald
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Travis Wearne
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Grisham
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Kuis DJ, van de Giessen T, de Jong S, Sportel BE, Boonstra N, van Donkersgoed R, Lysaker PH, Hasson-Ohayon I, Pijnenborg GHM. Empathy and Its Relationship With Social Functioning in Individuals at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:730092. [PMID: 34858222 PMCID: PMC8632546 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.730092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Social functioning is often impaired in the ultra-high-risk (UHR) phase of psychosis. There is some evidence that empathy is also impaired in this phase and that these impairments may underlie difficulties in social functioning. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether cognitive and affective empathy are lower in people in the UHR phase of psychosis in comparison to healthy controls, and whether possible impairments have the same magnitude as in people with schizophrenia. A second aim was to examine whether there is a relationship between empathy and social functioning in individuals in the UHR phase. Method: Forty-three individuals at UHR for psychosis, 92 people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and 49 persons without a psychiatric disorder completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE), and Faux Pas as instruments to measure empathy. The Time Use survey was used to measure social functioning. MAN(C)OVA was used to analyse differences between groups on empathy and social functioning, and correlations were calculated between empathy measures and social functioning for each group. Results: The UHR group presented significantly lower levels of self-reported cognitive empathy than the healthy controls, but not compared to patients with SSD, while performance-based cognitive empathy was unimpaired in the UHR group. On the affective measures, we found that people with UHR and patients with SSD had significantly higher levels of self-reported distress in interpersonal settings compared to healthy controls. In the UHR group, perspective-taking was negatively associated with time spent on structured social activities. In the SSD group, we found that structured social activities were positively associated with perspective-taking and negatively associated with personal distress in interactions with others. Lastly, in people without mental illness, social activities were positively associated with performance-based perspective-taking. Conclusion: Impairments in subjective cognitive empathy appear to be present in the UHR phase, suggesting that difficulties in interpreting the thoughts and feelings of others precede the onset of psychotic disorders. This can inform future interventions in the UHR phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan Jan Kuis
- Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg (GGZ) Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychotic Disorders, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, Netherlands
| | - Tara van de Giessen
- Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg (GGZ) Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychotic Disorders, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, Netherlands
| | - Steven de Jong
- Lentis Research, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bouwina Esther Sportel
- Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg (GGZ) Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychotic Disorders, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, Netherlands
| | - Nynke Boonstra
- Research Group Care and Innovation in Psychiatry, NHL Stenden University for Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, Netherlands.,KieN Early Intervention Service, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
| | - Rozanne van Donkersgoed
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (BSS), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Paul H Lysaker
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Gerdina Hendrika Maria Pijnenborg
- Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg (GGZ) Drenthe Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychotic Disorders, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (BSS), University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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49
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Karpouzian-Rogers T, Cobia D, Petersen J, Wang L, Mittal VA, Csernansky JG, Smith MJ. Cognitive Empathy and Longitudinal Changes in Temporo-Parietal Junction Thickness in Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:667656. [PMID: 34054621 PMCID: PMC8160364 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.667656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Deficits in cognitive empathy are well-documented in individuals with schizophrenia and are related to reduced community functioning. The temporoparietal junction (TPJ) is closely linked to cognitive empathy. We compared the relationship between baseline cognitive empathy and changes in TPJ thickness over 24 months between individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Methods: Individuals with schizophrenia (n = 29) and healthy controls (n = 26) completed a cognitive empathy task and underwent structural neuroimaging at baseline and approximately 24 months later. Symmetrized percent change scores were calculated for right and left TPJ, as well as whole-brain volume, and compared between groups. Task accuracy was examined as a predictor of percent change in TPJ thickness and whole-brain volume in each group. Results: Individuals with schizophrenia demonstrated poorer accuracy on the cognitive empathy task (p < 0.001) and thinner TPJ cortex relative to controls at both time points (p = 0.01). In schizophrenia, greater task accuracy was uniquely related to less thinning of the TPJ over time (p = 0.02); task accuracy did not explain changes in left TPJ or whole-brain volume. Among controls, task accuracy did not explain changes in right or left TPJ, or whole-brain volume. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that greater cognitive empathy may explain sustained integrity of the right TPJ in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting a contributory substrate for the long-term maintenance of this process in psychosis. Cognitive empathy was not related to changes in whole-brain volume, demonstrating the unique role of the TPJ in cognitive empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Karpouzian-Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.,Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Derin Cobia
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Julie Petersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Vijay A Mittal
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - John G Csernansky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Matthew J Smith
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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50
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Kozakevich Arbel E, Shamay-Tsoory SG, Hertz U. Adaptive Empathy: Empathic Response Selection as a Dynamic, Feedback-Based Learning Process. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:706474. [PMID: 34366937 PMCID: PMC8339423 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.706474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Empathy allows us to respond to the emotional state of another person. Considering that an empathic interaction may last beyond the initial response, learning mechanisms may be involved in dynamic adaptation of the reaction to the changing emotional state of the other person. However, traditionally, empathy is assessed through sets of isolated reactions to another's distress. Here we address this gap by focusing on adaptive empathy, defined as the ability to learn and adjust one's empathic responses based on feedback. For this purpose, we designed a novel paradigm of associative learning in which participants chose one of two empathic strategies (reappraisal or distraction) to attenuate the distress of a target person, where one strategy had a higher probability of relieving distress. After each choice, participants received feedback about the success of their chosen strategy in relieving the target person's distress, which they could use to inform their future decisions. The results show that the participants made more accurate choices in the adaptive empathy condition than in a non-social control condition, pointing to an advantage for learning from social feedback. We found a correlation between adaptive empathy and a trait measure of cognitive empathy. These findings indicate that the ability to learn about the effectiveness of empathic responses may benefit from incorporating mentalizing abilities. Our findings provide a lab-based model for studying adaptive empathy and point to the potential contribution of learning theory to enhancing our understanding of the dynamic nature of empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone G Shamay-Tsoory
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Uri Hertz
- Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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