A influência do contágio emocional na qualidade da resposta empática em alunos de psicologia

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore whether there are differences in the quality of the empathic response as the number of years of training in Psychology increases and to analyze the correlation between the level of emotional contagion, measured by the heart rate, and the quality of the empathic response, comparing the distinct levels of training in Psychology. In this study, the participants (N=56) took part in a laboratory task in which after watching vignettes on video, they had to choose the most appropriate type of empathic response. Moreover, they also filled an instrument of self-report about their emphatic perception. The main results point out to differences in the quality of the emphatic response in students according to their level of training in Psychology; to differences in the heart rate according to the level of training in Psychology; to an association between some dimensions (interpersonal reactivity, quality of the empathic response and emotional contagion of the participants). Bearing in mind the importance of empathy in a therapeutic context, it would be essential to develop additional formative experiences to give attention to the relational component that is essential for therapeutic success.

Date of Award	24 Jul 2017
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Oliveira-Silva (Supervisor) & Pedro Dias (Co-Supervisor)