This study investigated the somatic underpinning of empathy using an interpersonal physiology approach. 39 dyads were formed by a “pseudo-patient” and a “listener” (a therapist, a psychologist, or a non-therapists). Dyadic physiological concordance in electrodermal responses and listeners’ empathy were evaluated during simulations of clinical sessions. A significant positive correlation between empathy as perceived by pseudo-patients and physiological concordance was found, providing empirical evidence of a somatic underpinning of empathy. Moreover, therapists showed higher levels of physiological concordance and empathy, confirming the importance of psychotherapy training in managing clinical interactions.

Somatic underpinnings of perceived empathy: The importance of psychotherapy training

MESSINA, IRENE;PALMIERI, ARIANNA;SAMBIN, MARCO;KLEINBUB, JOHANN ROLAND;VOCI, ALBERTO;CALVO, VINCENZO
2013

Abstract

This study investigated the somatic underpinning of empathy using an interpersonal physiology approach. 39 dyads were formed by a “pseudo-patient” and a “listener” (a therapist, a psychologist, or a non-therapists). Dyadic physiological concordance in electrodermal responses and listeners’ empathy were evaluated during simulations of clinical sessions. A significant positive correlation between empathy as perceived by pseudo-patients and physiological concordance was found, providing empirical evidence of a somatic underpinning of empathy. Moreover, therapists showed higher levels of physiological concordance and empathy, confirming the importance of psychotherapy training in managing clinical interactions.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/2531453
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