Short-Term Effects of the Empathic Talk: The Role of Perceived Empathy, Interpersonal Dispositions, and Vagal Tone on Experiencing Depth

• DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2017.58
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17T09:34:24Z
• Authors: Michele Dufey; Juan Enrique Wilson
• Keywords: Vagal Tone; Tone (literature); Empathic concern

Abstract The present study examines the immediate impact of empathic attitudes on receiver, by comparing an conversation (EC) with a neutral one (NC) experiencing depth (EXP), perceived empathy and vagal tone. We also evaluate if effects depend personality dispositions relevant to interpersonal functioning. An experimental, counterbalanced, within-subject design was implemented wherein participants ( n = 27, age M 22.6, SD 4.0, 52% females) talked about personal, meaningful topic for 20 minutes under both EC NC conditions. At group level, main results indicated that more effective than in promoting increases EXP over time F (1, 25) 21.04, p < .001, η 2 .457) women 9.42, .005, .264). individual particularly precluded gains people expressing better functioning (βs –.46, ps .05 attachment security β .38, aggression), who inhibited their tone throughout this very condition (β .40, .024). conclude context has positive healthy psychological variables, whereas impersonal setting would drive away from effect. Those are discussed light role proximity (being another’s experience lack attitude) psychotherapy