ORCA General Oral Presentation Session (Virtual)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Sociology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Jana Hackathorn, PhD
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Existing research identifies strong links between empathy within couples and relationship quality, often helping to cope with difficult life events (Levesque et al., 2014). Similarly, emotional contagion is the process of mirroring the expressions and affect of others, but going further to adopt the emotions that were mimicked (Doherty, 1997). Some research identifies a positive relationship between contagious emotions and relationship quality but impacts of empathy and emotional contagion in relation to sexual and relational satisfaction are yet to be investigated (Mazzuca et al., 2019). The interpersonal theory of depression includes the contagion of negative affect, by which depressed individuals “spread” negative emotions to others (Coyne, 1976). Those in intimate relationships have been shown to exhibit higher susceptibility to experiencing depressive symptoms if the partner is depressed, often further evidenced by lower reported relationship quality (Katz, 1999).
Susceptibility to experiencing emotional contagion toward a partner, empathy, relational investment, and depressive symptoms will be assessed for association with relationship and sexual satisfaction among individuals currently in a romantic relationship. It is hypothesized that susceptibility to experience emotional contagion from a partner and empathy will be positively related to relationship and sexual satisfaction. The level of investment in the relationship is expected to moderate this relationship. Additionally, it is hypothesized that scores on depression will be positively related with emotional contagion and negatively related to relational and sexual satisfaction. Finally, we will explore which of these variables is the largest influence on relationship and sexual satisfaction. Data is currently being collected.
Keywords: emotions, relationships, intimacy, sexual satisfaction, satisfaction, depression
Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Included in
Emotions & Satisfaction: Does Emotional Contagion Make the Heart Grow Fonder?
Existing research identifies strong links between empathy within couples and relationship quality, often helping to cope with difficult life events (Levesque et al., 2014). Similarly, emotional contagion is the process of mirroring the expressions and affect of others, but going further to adopt the emotions that were mimicked (Doherty, 1997). Some research identifies a positive relationship between contagious emotions and relationship quality but impacts of empathy and emotional contagion in relation to sexual and relational satisfaction are yet to be investigated (Mazzuca et al., 2019). The interpersonal theory of depression includes the contagion of negative affect, by which depressed individuals “spread” negative emotions to others (Coyne, 1976). Those in intimate relationships have been shown to exhibit higher susceptibility to experiencing depressive symptoms if the partner is depressed, often further evidenced by lower reported relationship quality (Katz, 1999).
Susceptibility to experiencing emotional contagion toward a partner, empathy, relational investment, and depressive symptoms will be assessed for association with relationship and sexual satisfaction among individuals currently in a romantic relationship. It is hypothesized that susceptibility to experience emotional contagion from a partner and empathy will be positively related to relationship and sexual satisfaction. The level of investment in the relationship is expected to moderate this relationship. Additionally, it is hypothesized that scores on depression will be positively related with emotional contagion and negatively related to relational and sexual satisfaction. Finally, we will explore which of these variables is the largest influence on relationship and sexual satisfaction. Data is currently being collected.
Keywords: emotions, relationships, intimacy, sexual satisfaction, satisfaction, depression