Self-other overlap as a mediator between dyadic empathy and relationship satisfaction
Abstract
In this study, self-other overlap, the process of including another person into one's sense of self, is proposed as a mediating variable between self and other ratings of dyadic empathy and relationship satisfaction. One-hundred and fifty-one individuals over the age of eighteen who were in a relationship of at least six months in length at the time of the survey completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples (Peloquin & Lafontaine, 2010), the Couples Satisfaction Index (Funk & Rogge, 2007), and the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale (Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Smollan, 1992). Total scores for self and other rated dyadic empathy as well as congruity between self and other scores were assessed for each respondent. The results indicated that total perceived dyadic empathy and perceived dyadic empathic congruity were significant predictors of relationship satisfaction and self-other overlap, but self-other overlap did not mediate the relationship between either form of empathy and relationship satisfaction.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Edwards, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Counseling Psychology|Individual & family studies
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