Effects of affective and cognitive empathy induction on couples’ behavior and outcomes in conflicts

The current study investigated the effect of affective and cognitive empathy induction on couples’ behavior and outcomes in conflicts. The research design was experimental. The sample consisted of 48 couples who were selected based on convenience sampling method and assigned into experimental groups (cognitive empathy and emotional empathy) and control group randomly. In order to measure variables Batson and colleagues Writing Task, Interpersonal Reaction Index, and Relationship Network Questionnaire were administered. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the induction of cognitive empathy would reduce "conflict escalation" and increase "other-oriented listening". But induction of emotional empathy did not affect the variables. Regression analysis showed that perceived support can predict more outcome fairness and satisfaction, and less "conflict escalation". It is concluded that induction of empathy for couples can increase positive behaviors and reduce negative behaviors during conflicts. Also when couples perceived support in the relationship, they feel better about the results of conflicts.