Empathic accuracy was beneficial (for well-being & ill-being) or not harmful (for marital satisfaction) at low socio-economic levels; was not beneficial (well- & ill-being), or was harmful for mat. satisf. for high levels

Empathy in context: Socioeconomic status as a moderator of the link between empathic accuracy and well-being in married couples. Emily F. Hittner, Claudia M. Haase. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, March 11, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407521990750

Abstract: The present laboratory-based study investigated socioeconomic status (SES) as a moderator of the association between empathic accuracy and well-being among married couples from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Empathic accuracy was measured using a performance-based measure of empathic accuracy for one’s spouse’s negative emotions during a marital conflict conversation. Aspects of well-being included well-being (i.e., positive affect, life satisfaction), ill-being (i.e., negative affect, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms), and marital satisfaction. SES was measured using a composite score of income and education. Findings showed that SES moderated associations between empathic accuracy and well-being. Empathic accuracy was beneficial (for well-being and ill-being) or not harmful (for marital satisfaction) at low levels of SES. In contrast, empathic accuracy was not beneficial (for well-being and ill-being) or harmful (for marital satisfaction) at high levels of SES. Results were robust (controlled for age, gender, and race). Findings are discussed in light of interdependence vs. independence in low- vs. high-SES contexts and highlight the importance of socioeconomic context in determining whether empathic accuracy benefits well-being or not.

Keywords: Empathic accuracy, marriage, socioeconomic status, well-being