Empathy and Coping: Older Adults' Interpersonal Tensions and Mood throughout the Day.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Scholars have proposed that empathy is a key feature of strong social ties, but less is known about the role empathy plays when tensions arise.

Objective

We examined whether older adults' empathy was associated with (a) coping strategies for interpersonal tensions, and (b) mood when there were tensions throughout the day. We also explored whether coping strategies explained the potential buffering effect of empathy on older adults' momentary mood.

Methods

Older adults (N = 302) from the Daily Experiences and Well-Being Study completed a baseline survey on empathy and coping strategies. They also completed ecological momentary assessments every 3 hours each day for 5-6 days, which included questions about interpersonal tensions and mood. This study conside

SUBMITTER: Huo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7855217 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature