A model of empathic communication

Abstract

Abstract This study examines a path model of empathic communication. Several empathie structures are predicted to influence the process of empathie communication. Results show that humanistic orientation predicted perspective‐taking, which predicted communicative responsiveness, which predicted comforting. Empathie concern and emotional responsiveness were eliminated from the model The parameter estimates and predicted correlations among the remaining variables were all statistically significant (p < .05). In addition, self‐rated comforting and independent ratings correlated at only .51, with the former exhibiting higher correlations with other variable.